At the Dec. 19 meeting of the Cazenovia Board of Education, District Transportation Supervisor Karen Cowherd presented board members with 2010-11 use statistics, outlined the new emission-reducing Espar engine-heating systems 21 buses will utilize this winter and proposed the acquisition of four new buses and a Chevrolet Suburban.
Last year, the fleet logged 382,000 miles driving along 22 local and three out-of-district routes.
The many miles cause much wear-and-tear on the vehicles, and after having not made new purchases last year due to budget concerns, Cowherd requested the board consider the transportation department when forming the budget.
“We usually purchase three to four buses a year. Last year there were no bus purchases,” Cowherd said. “This year we must move forward in an effort to keep our replacement schedule on track with the purchase of four buses and a suburban.”
Cowherd said that 69 percent of the cost of buses is covered by state aid, so the amount needed to be set aside for the acquisition would be a considerable amount less than the sticker price.
Cowherd also told the board of a $69,000 grant recently received by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. After applying to the third round of the New York State Clean Air School Bus Program, Cazenovia was awarded the funds to retrofit 21 of their buses with diesel fuel-fired coolant heaters that provide the supplemental heat needed to preheat the engine coolant and passenger compartment.
The Espar heaters are approved by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and are proven to reduce the emissions caused by cold-starting engines in wintry weather conditions. The add-on will also help to ensure the engines last longer and save fuel. Leonard Bus Sales in Rome will be doing the installation in the coming weeks.
“This is a positive project for the school district and environment,” Cowherd said.
This is the second time that the Cazenovia Central School District has been awarded a grant from NYSERDA. In 2004, the district was awarded a grant to retrofit 27 buses with catalytic devices, also used to reduce emissions.
Pierce Smith is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at 434-8889 ext. 338 or [email protected].
