Photo: Getty Images
WORCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — 15 new electric buses are headed to Worcester thanks to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
On Jan. 8, the EPA announced that Massachusetts and Connecticut would receive over $53.3 million in funding from their first Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition. In total, the awards will help the selectees purchase 135 environmentally friendly school busses in six school districts in the two states.
On Monday, federal, state and local officials announced that Worcester Public Schools will be getting $5.8 million from the grant. The award to DATTCO, Inc. will pay for 15 new electric buses, which do not produce tailpipe emissions, for Worcester Public School students.
"After years of fighting for investments in clean energy, I'm glad that we are able to deliver federal funding for a fleet of new electric school buses in Massachusetts. With this funding, we can reduce health risks from air pollution, boost domestic manufacturing while creating good-paying jobs in the process, and fight the climate crisis for the next generation," said Senator Elizabeth Warren.
"This new funding for clean school buses from the Biden administration is going to help keep our communities and children safe from pollution, while creating a more livable future for Worcester students and residents all across Massachusetts and our country,” said Senator Ed Markey.
Approximately 86 percent of projects selected for funding in the Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition were in low-income, rural, or tribal communities.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok