WEST CHESTER, Pa. — Earlier this week the EPA's Clean School Bus USA program awarded a $325,000 grant to West Chester Area School District in an effort to reduce students' exposure to diesel exhaust.

The district plans to use the money to retrofit 65 buses operated for the district by Krapf Bus Companies with pollutant- and soot-reducing equipment. Fifty of the 65 buses, for instance, will be retrofitted with a particulate matter filter, which will substantially reduce pollutants when used in combination with ultra low sulfur diesel fuel.

Superintendent Dr. Alan Elko expressed enthusiasm upon receiving the grant saying, "Our students, staff and the entire West Chester area will benefit from a cleaner environment. On behalf of the district community, I thank the EPA for awarding us a grant for this purpose."