Background
The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District is a leader in helping schools reduce air pollution in the Greater Sacramento Area by using zero-emission school buses and technology in our communities. The replacement of high-polluting diesel buses with new clean school buses greatly reduces children’s exposure to transportation-related air pollution. It also helps school districts with cost savings on fuel, regular maintenance, and repairs. The Sac Metro Air District is committed to regional projects and partnerships to create clean air and a low-carbon future for everyone.
Status: Open
The solicitation will run from July 20, 2026 to August 21, 2026, for public school districts in Sacramento County. The current solicitation has $3 million available in incentive funds to replace combustion engine school buses with cleaner school buses projects, as described in the 2024 Carl Moyer Program Guidelines for school buses for the following technology types:
- Zero-emission funded up to 100%
- Ultra-low NOx propane funded up to 50%
Grant amounts are calculated using ACTUAL bus mileage from the past 24 months (292 cards or other mileage documents).
Awards:
- No restriction on the requested number of replacement projects or type (see above)
- Funding will be assigned using a round-robin style (one bus at a time, following the application date stamps of complete applications) until funds are exhausted. The District reserves the right to provide additional funds to this solicitation if funding becomes available.
Note:
- Due to new AB1390 maps, ALL Sacramento County Public School Districts qualify for this funding.
- HVIP funding cannot be used in combination with the Carl Moyer Program and Community Air Protection Incentives. Applications may not qualify for maximum funding and may need a substantial cash match to participate. For more informaiton about eligibility and match requirements, please contact staff.
How to Apply:
Grant applications must be submitted electronically using the Air District's SeamlessDocs system. Use the button below to access the application form when the program opens. If you plan to replace more than one piece of equipment, please fill out the Multiple Equipment Spreadsheet and attach it to your application. It is highly recommended that you gather all required documentation before starting an application. The online application will accept document uploads in PDF, JPEG, PNG, and XLSX formats.
If you wish to save and continue an application at a later time, you will need to register for an account with SeamlessDocs. Once the electronic application is complete and all required documents are uploaded, click the "Submit and Sign" button. Applicants will receive a confirmation email showing that their application was received, including a copy of the application.
Applications missing information may be given 30 days to submit incomplete or ineligible documents. Staff may also request additional information from applicants if needed to evaluate the project. Staff will review all applications submitted within a 45-day application window to determine appropriate funding awards based on the project details.
If no funding is available for a request or the application does not meet grant guidelines, staff will notify the applicant and place the application in a pending file or reject it based on the project's merits.
Our staff will contact the awarded applicants. Awardees may elect to continue processing their request and enter into a funding agreement with the Sac Metro Air District. All new school buses will be registered and titled with the Sac Metro Air District or SMAQMD as lienholder for the duration of the funding agreement.
Online Application
Note: Please attach to the Online Application and/or send in the additional information listed on the
Applicant Checklist
Applicant Checklist
