Press Conference from the Fort Wayne Community Schools:
FWCS buses go green with stimulus grant
Fort Wayne Community Schools’ buses are emitting fewer pollutants after a $99,000 grant from
the American Lung Association paid for the installation of diesel oxidation catalysts on 90 buses.
The money originated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and was disbursed through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to entities, such as the American Lung Association. This follows a $50,000 grant given to FWCS by the EPA in 2006 that put similar catalysts on 30 buses. The latest grant brings all 250 buses that transport students daily up to the higher emission standards.
Each day, FWCS transports more than 21,000 to and from school. The objective of the grant from the American Lung Association was to prevent the emission of nitrogen oxides, fine particles (soot) and toxins that are emitted in diesel exhaust. Nitrogen oxides are precursors of ozone, and, when breathed, can lodge deep in the lungs. While school buses are the safest way for children to get to school, FWCS wants to make sure pollution from diesel vehicles is reduced to prevent health complications for everyone, especially children.
Diesel oxidation catalysts use a chemical process to break down pollutants in the exhaust stream into less harmful components. The catalysts can be installed on most buses. “Cleaner air benefits everyone, but it is especially important for our students with breathing issues, such as those with asthma, and other medically fragile children,” said Mary Hess, health services specialist. “Every step we can take to reduce pollutants in the air is a positive step. “The work on the buses was done by Cummins Crosspoint’s service technicians.
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This is an awesome place for grant money to be dedicated to, it not only stimulates the economy but it also betters the environment.