The award, part of a statewide effort to reduce emissions from fleet vehicles, is expected to total approximately $900,000 for DSD – and estimated to cover the cost of three new electric buses. DSD is one of only three school districts statewide chosen in this round of awards, underscoring the district’s leadership in sustainable fleet innovation.
DSD has been a statewide leader in adopting electric school bus technology. In 2021, the district partnered with La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) and secured a grant through the Regional Air Quality Council’s ALT Fuels Colorado program to purchase a fully electric, 81-seat school bus and install charging infrastructure. The bus began regular service in early 2022, becoming one of the first operational electric school buses — and the first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capable school bus — in Colorado.
This latest grant award allows DSD to continue expanding its clean transportation footprint and serve students across 1,079 square miles with healthier, quieter, low-emission transportation options.
“We’re thrilled to receive funding for three new all-electric buses, which will strengthen our fleet and support cleaner, more efficient transportation for Durango students,” said DSD Chief Operations Officer Chris Coleman. “The latest generation of EV buses is advanced and reliable, and we’re confident they’ll perform well on our shorter routes.”
The Clean Fleet Vehicle and Technology Grant Program — administered by the Clean Fleet Enterprise Board of Directors — supports agencies in transitioning to low-emission and zero-emission fleet vehicles. In this round of awards, the board selected projects representing 109 vehicles statewide.
The district anticipates the buses will begin serving students by fall 2026, depending on equipment availability and the installation of additional charging infrastructure. DSD plans to collaborate with La Plata Electric Association and pursue additional grants to complete the needed electrical upgrades. While exact long-term cost savings are still being evaluated, industry data shows that electric buses generally offer lower per-mile operating costs and reduced maintenance needs compared with diesel buses.
“As one of the first school districts in Colorado to put an electric bus into daily service, we are proud to lead with purpose — offering our students a cleaner, healthier ride while protecting the air we all breathe,” said Superintendent Dr. Karen Cheser. “We’re thrilled to build on this momentum and continue expanding our sustainability efforts, because building a greener future isn’t just an option — it’s our responsibility to the community we serve.”