Innovative Federal Funding Paves the Way for Cleaner Transportation
COOLIDGE, AZ - Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE) is thrilled to announce that Southern Arizona, Patagonia Union High School District, is set to benefit from the Biden-Harris Administration’s 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate! Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act), this initiative is a major step forward in reducing harmful emissions and promoting healthier rural communities.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected approximately 530 school districts nationwide, with 10 of them being in Arizona, to receive nearly $900 million to replace older, diesel-fueled school buses. This initiative will support the purchase of over 3,400 clean school buses, with 92% of these being electric. These efforts have a major impact in how we address health concerns such as asthma and other respiratory issues that affect students and nearby communities.
Patagonia Union High School District is among the recipients of the Clean School Bus Program rebate, receiving an award of $145,000 to purchase its very first electric school bus. This critical investment not only paves the way for reduced emissions and enhanced student safety but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable transportation in Southern rural Arizona. “I’m excited about it because it sets an innovative and exciting future for our county and community,” said Marshall Morgan, RAZE Environmental Justice Organizer, who was raised in Santa Cruz County.
“Electric vehicles are still pretty rare in our community, but this initiative is really setting the stage for change. With more support for sustainable vehicles, better resources, and the right infrastructure, clean transportation will soon be within reach for us and our neighboring districts. I hope to see Nogales Unified and Santa Cruz Unified follow Patagonia’s lead and adopt more sustainable practices to help protect our kids’ health,” Morgan added.
This grant represents a monumental step toward ensuring a cleaner and safer transportation option for students. The introduction of an electric bus will not only reduce the district's carbon footprint but also serve as a model for other rural schools to emulate. “This electric bus will make a significant difference in our community,” Morgan emphasized. “Clean or polluted air doesn’t recognize county lines, state lines, or international borders—environmental issues affect us all, regardless of where we live.”
RAZE also commends the other Arizona awardees of the Clean School Bus Program rebate, including:
• Casa Blanca Community School: $265,000 for 1 electric bus
• Chandler Unified School District: $640,000 for 3 electric buses
• Creighton Elementary District: $1,765,000 for 5 electric buses
• Isaac Elementary District: $1,765,000 for 5 electric buses
• Joseph City Unified District: $690,000 for 2 electric buses
• Laveen Elementary District: $1,000,000 for 5 electric buses
• Littleton Elementary District: $420,000 for 2 electric buses
• Madison Elementary District: $600,000 for 3 electric buses
• Mohave Valley Elementary District: $1,055,000 for 3 electric buses
RAZE’s commitment to environmental justice and sustainable transportation underscores the importance of federal funding in transforming rural communities.
As sustainability efforts increase, community members who wish to join the efforts of RAZE, you can contact Environmental Justice Organizer, Marshall Morgan at marshall@raze.org.
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