Orangeburg County School District Receives $6.32 million from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ORANGEBURG, S.C. - Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) is one of 16 school districts in South Carolina to receive funds to support the replacement of existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. In an effort to transform America’s school bus fleet, the EPA awarded grants from school districts in all 50 states as part of its Clean School Bus Program rebate competition.
In South Carolina, the school districts received a combined total of $58 million for new buses that will accelerate the transition to zero emissions vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities.
In OCSD, nearly 8300 students ride the school bus to get to school and home, and the addition of these buses to the fleet will not only enhance the air quality and health of the community but also the air quality and health of OCSD students.
“The significant investment that the EPA is making in South Carolina, but especially in Orangeburg County School District, is a gift that our students and families will benefit from for years to come," said Dr. Shawn D. Foster, OCSD Superintendent. “Some of the current buses in our fleet are nearly 15 years old, and the addition of these buses will greatly improve our student's travel to and from school in a clean, safe, and, most importantly, healthy environment,” Foster continued.
Including the new buses, OCSD will maintain technological upgrades to the school buses. Those upgrades include mobile two-way radios, camera systems, wi-fi capability, and GPS/Telematics systems.
There will be a press conference on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, to formally announce and recognize this significant investment for children. The event will take place from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Orangeburg County School District Administration Building at 102 Founders Court.
EPA’s Regional Administrator Daniel Blackman will be joined by Congressman James E. Clyburn, State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman, Orangeburg County School Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster, Orangeburg County Council Chairman Johnnie Wright and other stakeholders for this important announcement.
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Click HERE to view the press release.
