EV buses and reserve use

Proposition 2: EV buses and reserve use


EV buses
  What voters are being asked
 
Voters are being asked to authorize the purchase of up to two zero emission buses using reserve funds, if and when, grant funds are awarded.

The total cost for these buses, with necessary equipment or expenses, is not to exceed $500,000 and would be funded by the 2023 Bus and Motor Vehicle Reserve Fund.

The legal language appearing on the ballot may be found below.
 
   Proposition 2:
 
Resolved, the Board of Education of the Spencerport Central School District is hereby authorized to purchase up to two (2) Zero Emission school buses for the purpose of providing student transportation and ancillary educational purposes, including original equipment and incidental expenses for the foregoing purpose, at a total estimated cost to the School District, after taking into account the Environmental Protection Agency Clean School Bus Program and other grant/incentive funding, not to exceed $500,000; which shall be funded by the 2023 Bus and Motor Vehicle Reserve Fund.

Voters are being asked to authorize the purchase of up to two zero emission buses using reserve funds, if and when, grant funds are awarded.

The total cost for these buses, with necessary equipment or expenses, is not to exceed $500,000 and would be funded by the 2023 Bus and Motor Vehicle Reserve Fund.
 
 Background and timeline
 
New York State adopted legislation in 2022, requiring school bus fleets to be 100% zero-emission electric (or ESB) by 2035.

In 2022, voters across NYS approved the Clean Air, Clean Water and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act (Bond Act) which includes $500 million to support the transition to zero-emission school buses.

By July 2027, any new or replacement bus purchases must be zero emission (no purchase of diesel).

Further, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has established the NY School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP) to assist school districts in meeting the zero-emission bus timelines.
 
 NYS funding and EPA grant
 
Spencerport has been approved for Environmental Protection Agency grants for the purchase of two zero-emission buses. These purchases may take months to process and the deadline to use the EPA grant funds is May 2026.

The EPA grant, plus the opportunity to apply for funding through the NYSBIP, indicates it is ideal timing to begin purchasing buses and ensure Spencerport is positioned to maximize these incentives and insulate taxpayers.

If the proposition is not approved, Spencerport will not have the opportunity to use EPA grants or pursue NYS BIP funds to offset the taxpayer costs associated with this legislative mandate.