The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the City of Cheyenne showcased two new buses today which will be used for student transportation for the Latchkey program.
Latchkey is a City of Cheyenne before-and-after school program open to all youth Kindergarten through 6th Grade. A variety of activities are offered including sports, games, arts and crafts, and homework help.
The program had two older buses that transported nearly 200 students to 21 local schools daily. These buses traveled over 12,000 miles and consumed 1450 gallons of diesel fuel per school year.
As these older buses met emission standards when they were built (1998 and 2001), new engine technology has greatly reduced emissions.
According to Brian Hall, DEQ Outreach Manager, funding for these new buses were provided by the Emissions Reduction Grant Program and the City of Cheyenne.
“We are excited to use grant funds on a project that will result in cleaner air for our children to breathe for years to come,” said Hall. “Wyoming DEQ is pleased that emission-reduction projects improve air quality. But what we’re most proud of are the direct, lasting benefits to quality of life for our children, our citizens and the people of Wyoming.”
Hall added that the emission reductions were over 90 percent.
“The City of Cheyenne is very excited about having worked with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality on a project that directly benefits our community’s children,” said Mayor Marian Orr. “The diesel engine replacement technology on our new bus will ultimately ensure cleaner air for years to come for the children who will utilize it for transportation and for those who play nearby. These are environmental impacts that help make the community of Cheyenne a better place to live, and we’ll hope to continue to work with DEQ on future opportunities.”
The total cost to replace these buses were $174,250.00.
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