State hopes to clean up buses

ALAMO -- The pungent smell of diesel fumes sputtering from the back of the school bus is an all-too-familiar memory for generations of students.

But state officials hope it's a memory this generation won't have.

The state environmental agency is encouraging school districts across Texas to invest in technology to cut down on school bus emissions.

Districts can apply for a total of $8 million in grants to fund devices that attach to the buses and help reduce their pollution.

More than 36,000 buses carry an estimated 1.3 million Texas students every day, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. About a third of those buses are at least 10 years old and emit elevated levels of pollutants.

State and local leaders say it's critical that districts work to cut back on those emissions to protect the health of bus drivers and students alike.

Diesel exhaust contains small particles called fine particulate matter than can easily pass through the nose and throat and penetrate the lungs. Those particles pose serious health risks and can aggravate allergies and respiratory problems such as asthma.

Some studies suggest long-term exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer, according to the TCEQ, which runs the grant program.

Last year, more than 2,643 school buses from 58 districts received money to retrofit their buses. Locally, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo and Valley View school districts were the only schools to join the program.

The pollution control devices can reduce emissions on older buses by up to 80 percent. Four types of units - each of which works differently - are available to schools.

This year, an additional $3 million has been allocated to the program, and state leaders are hoping more districts will participate.

Last year, PSJA received more than $87,000 to retrofit 42 buses - about a third of its fleet - with the equipment. Newer buses do not need the filters.

Reynaldo Cedillo, transportation director at the La Joya school district, said his district applied for the grant last year but was denied, since funding is handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.

He said the department will try again this year.

Mike Cano, PSJA's transportation director, said he has already spoken with his counterparts in other districts about the program, and many seem interested in it.

Districts have through Dec. 15 to apply for the grants.

PSJA Superintendent Daniel King said the district is "quick to respond" to opportunities to improve the quality of life for its students and community.

"We want to make sure all the school districts take advantage of this money," said David Ramirez, director of the TCEQ region that includes the Rio Grande Valley. "This is free money here."

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Ryan Holeywell covers McAllen, PSJA, the Mid-Valley and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4446.