Colorado Electric School Bus Grant Program

The Colorado Electric School Bus Grant Program was created under the Air Quality Improvement Investments Act, Senate Bill 22-193, which was passed in May 2022. Administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the program aimed to support school districts and charter schools in transitioning to electric school buses and related charging infrastructure. The initiative was part of Colorado's broader effort to reduce transportation-related air pollution and promote sustainable energy use in educational transportation systems. The grant program prioritized funding for schools located in or attended by students from disproportionately impacted communities, nonattainment areas, or those where a significant number of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch programs. Although these groups received funding priority, CDPHE encouraged all public school districts and charter schools throughout Colorado to apply. The intent was to create equitable opportunities for participation while targeting communities most affected by pollution. Under the program, significant funding incentives were offered. Maximum funding per new electric vehicle ranged from $10,000 for non-bus vehicles to $275,000 for Type A-B school buses and $375,000 for Type C-D buses. For charging infrastructure, the program provided between $3,500 and $72,000 per port, depending on the power level and configuration (single or dual). Applicants could also request additional funds for scrappage ($1,000), project startup costs ($1,000), and technician training on high-voltage systems ($6,000). Conversion of fossil-fuel buses to electric power was considered on a case-by-case basis, with reimbursements of 45% to 55% of the conversion cost depending on the bus type. Applicants were required to retire or convert at least 20% of the vehicles listed in their application if requesting five or more vehicles, with a preference for scrapping pre-2009 diesel buses. Vehicle retirement required making buses permanently inoperable, including cutting frame rails and disabling the engine block. CDPHE provided templates and resources including a Fleet List, Vehicle Scrappage Template, and Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire to guide applicants through the process. The application window for the 2023 cycle was open from March 29, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Though the program accepted applications and selected projects during that period, it was officially discontinued as of November 2024. Interested organizations were advised to consider applying to the federal Clean School Bus Program for ongoing funding opportunities. CDPHE published relevant guides, FAQs, and webinar recordings to support applicants throughout the submission process. Questions and requests for assistance were directed to CDPHE via email at cdphe_apcd_fleetgrants@state.co.us or by phone at 303-692-2000. For language access, CDPHE also provided instructions to email cdphe_apcd_outreach@state.co.us with the subject line “language assistance.” Though the Colorado Electric School Bus Grant Program is no longer active, it served as an important model for local clean transportation initiatives aligned with state and federal environmental goals.

CDPHE encouraged retirement of pre-2009 diesel buses and provided webinars, guides, and Q&A documents to support applicants.