ITHACA, NY (WHCU) – The Ithaca City School District’s effort to purchase more electric buses is getting a shot in the arm.

ICSD will receive a Clean School Bus Rebate from the Environmental Protection Agency for $800,000. The funding is earmarked for electric buses and eligible infrastructure over two years. Ithaca was one of 47 communities selected for the rebate program, which provides up-front payments to subsidize zero-emission or clean school bus purchases, charging infrastructure, and related expenses. The total amount of money awarded through the program is north of $95 million.

A recently voted-down proposition (Proposition 2) to purchase e-buses, propane buses, and passenger vehicles will be amended to reflect the rebate and reduce the number of vehicle purchases. Proposition 2 and the proposed district budget for the upcoming academic year are headed for a revote on June 18.

A public hearing is set for Ithaca High School on June 11 at 5:30 p.m.