Schools in Todd, Caldwell, Logan and Muhlenberg counties are among 93 across Kentucky receiving state funds to replace old school buses with newer ones that burn cleaner fuel.
In 2016, the U.S. Justice Department settled claims against Volkswagen for using defeat devices in 2009-2016 Volkswagen diesel vehicles, which allowed the vehicles to emit up to 40 percent more nitrogen oxides than allowed under the Clean Air Act.
Then the Kentucky Attorney General, current Governor Andy Beshear secured Kentucky’s share of the settlement, $20.3 million awarded from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust.
The Kentucky General Assembly later authorized $8.5 million to reimburse local school districts for up to 50 percent of the cost to replace up to five qualifying school buses per district.
The Todd County School District is receiving just over $56,000 to pay for half the cost to purchase a bus that burns a cleaner diesel.
Russellville Independent Schools is receiving about $45,000 and Logan County Public Schools is getting about $48,000 to go toward purchasing a diesel bus for each school system.
Muhlenberg County is getting funds for a diesel bus replacement and Caldwell County is getting about $116,000 to pay half of the cost to buy two new diesel buses.