La Porte ISD will receive a $1.45 million grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to help replace 20 aging school buses. 

The funds will be used specifically to replace buses made prior to 2007 with new, more environmentally friendly models.  

The grant is part of the Texas Clean School Bus Grant Program, which is designed to reduce children’s exposure to diesel exhaust from school buses.  

“Safety is our number one priority in La Porte ISD and replacing our aged fleet with new buses helps us ensure that we are doing everything possible to keep our students safe,” said Transportation Director Elissa Rice. “Every new bus will have modernized safety features such as seat belts, electronic stability control, LED headlights, loading lights, and taillights, as well as illuminated ‘School Bus’ signs and ‘Stop’ signs.”  

Rice added that, in addition to the more modern safety features, having a newer fleet helps to reduce maintenance and repair costs, and increases fuel efficiency.  

The TCEQ awarded about $13.5 million to school districts across the state in the most recent grant cycle.