FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Snowline JUSD Awarded $802,586 Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District, Community Air Protection Program, for Two Electric School Buses and Charging Infrastructure
PHELAN, Calif. — A strong partnership, years of collaboration, and a shared commitment to investing in student transportation have resulted in an exciting milestone for Snowline Joint Unified School District. The district has been awarded an $802,586 Grant Funding from the Community Air Protection Program through the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District to purchase two electric school buses and install charging infrastructure.
The grant represents a major investment in Snowline's transportation department without placing additional financial burden on local taxpayers. By securing outside funding, the district is able to modernize a portion of its fleet while continuing to provide safe, dependable transportation for students across the district's more than 250 square miles.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Snowline," said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Holman. "Any time we can bring nearly $1 million in grant funding back to our community, it's a win for our students and taxpayers. This project demonstrates what can happen when dedicated staff pursue opportunities that strengthen our district and position us for the future."
“We are pleased to be able to partner with Snowline on such an important community project,” said Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District APCO Brad Poiriez. “The district’s commitment to air quality management has provided a cleaner, and safer, route to school for the students, parents, and community of Phelan.”
Snowline Transportation Director Danny Medford led the grant effort, working closely with the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District to bring the project to completion.
"We're excited to add these buses to our fleet and continue expanding the tools available to safely transport our students every day. I'm incredibly proud of our team and grateful to Mojave Air Quality Management District for partnering with us throughout this process." said Danny Medford, Director of Transportation.
The district's transportation department will receive manufacturer-certified training covering vehicle operation, preventive maintenance, battery systems, charging equipment, and safety procedures. This investment ensures Snowline staff are prepared to confidently maintain the new buses while continuing to provide reliable service for students and families.
Amanda Koncur of the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District said the partnership reflects the shared commitment between both agencies to invest in long-term transportation solutions.
"We're excited to celebrate this milestone with Snowline Joint Unified School District," said Amanda Koncur. "This project has been years in the making, and we're proud to support a district that remained committed throughout the entire process. Partnerships like this help school districts access funding that may not otherwise be available."
Electric school buses offer several operational advantages, including quieter operation, fewer routine engine maintenance requirements, modern onboard technology and more importantly, zero-emissions. While these buses represent only a portion of Snowline's transportation fleet, they provide an opportunity for the district to gain valuable experience with emerging transportation technology while continuing to operate its dependable fleet of conventional buses.
Pictured during the grant presentation are Amanda Koncur and Jorge Camacho of the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District with Danny Medford, Director of Transportation for Snowline Joint Unified School District.
As the buses and charging infrastructure are delivered and installed, Snowline's transportation team will continue training and preparing for deployment, ensuring students receive the same safe, reliable transportation families have come to expect.