Wyoming Opens Window for DERA Grant Applications

The state of Wyoming has opened the application period for its 2022 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) offers $843,660 of grant funding for replacement of diesel school buses. The funding comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and matching funds from the 2016 Volkswagen settlement, according to Ken Guille, DEQ outreach program manager.

• Eligible school buses must meet the following criteria:
• Diesel engine model years 2004-2007.
• Must resemble replacement vehicle in form and function.
• New replacement bus must be powered by EPA- or CARB-certified 2021 or newer model year diesel or alternative-fuel engine.
• Buses marked for replacement must be fully operational and in current, regular service.
• The replaced bus must be disabled (scrapped).

DEQ is expected to provide a 25% reimbursement of the final purchase price from the pertinent fiscal year Wyoming Department of Education (DOE) Student Transportation Bus Bids.

Priority may be placed on applications from districts that intend to replace buses with alternative-fuel configurations.