The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is accepting applications for funding under the South Dakota Clean Diesel Grant/VW Programs. The program provides rebates to assist in purchasing new buses to replace old, high-emitting diesel buses.

The primary goals of the programs are to reduce students’ exposure to pollution and to facilitate the improvement and protection of the ambient air quality throughout South Dakota.

There will be approximately $507,000 of Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funds, $338,000 of VW Category 10 DERA funds, and additional VW category 2 bus funds available for the projects.

The South Dakota programs will provide rebates to help public schools, non-public schools, state special schools, other educational programs, shuttle or transit system providers, and school bus contractors purchase new buses to replace old, high-emitting, diesel buses.

Total rebate per replacement bus will be up to 25% of the purchase price of a 2020 engine model year or newer engine certified to EPA emission standards, 35% of the purchase price of a 2020 engine model year or newer engine certified to meet CARB’s Low-NOx standards, or 45% of the purchase price of a zero tailpipe emissions bus. DANR intends to award funds to as many eligible applicants throughout the state as possible.

The application deadline for initial consideration is Dec. 13. More information is available on DANR's Clean Diesel Grant Program webpage. Questions? Contact the DANR Air Quality program at 605-773-3151.