FWCS buses go green with stimulus grant
Record Number: 5908 Displayed from: Jan 28 2010 12:00AM, until: Feb 28 2010 12:00AM Fort Wayne Community Schools' buses are emitting fewer pollutants after a $99,000 grant from the
American Lung Association paid for the installation of diesel oxidation catalysts on 90 buses. The money
originated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and was disbursed through the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency to entities, such as the American Lung Association. This follows a $50,000 grant given to
FWCS by the EPA in 2006 that put similar catalysts on 30 buses. The latest grant brings all 250 buses that
transport students daily up to the higher emission standards.
Each day, FWCS transports more than 21,000 to and from school. The objective of the grant from the American
Lung Association was to prevent the emission of nitrogen oxides, fine particles (soot) and toxins that are
emitted in diesel exhaust. Nitrogen oxides are precursors of ozone, and, when breathed, can lodge deep in the
lungs. While school buses are the safest way for children to get to school, FWCS wants to make sure pollution
from diesel vehicles is reduced to prevent health complications for everyone, especially children.
Diesel oxidation catalysts use a chemical process to break down pollutants in the exhaust stream into less
harmful components. The catalysts can be installed on most buses.
"Cleaner air benefits everyone, but it is especially important for our students with breathing issues,
such as those with asthma, and other medically fragile children," said Mary Hess, health services
specialist. "Every step we can take to reduce pollutants in the air is a positive step."
The work on the buses was done by Cummins Crosspoint's service technicians.
© Fort Wayne Community Schools | May 21st 2013