The City of Alexandria has partnered with Alexandria City Public Schools to obtain a grant for $70,000 to retrofit 40 school buses with clean air technology that reduces pollutants emitted by diesel engine buses.

The Diesel Oxidation Catalyst System — an Environmental Protection Agency-approved technology — breaks down into less harmful components pollutants released into the exhaust stream. The retrofitted buses are expected to achieve 20 percent reduction in particulate matter emissions, 50 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions and 40 percent reduction in carbon monoxide emissions. 

The School Bus Retrofit Grant Program is scheduled to begin later this summer.