Simla, Colorado - On April 26 at 11:40 a.m., The Big Sandy School District in Simla, CO marked a significant milestone in their commitment to sustainability with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their three electric school buses and the accompanying charging infrastructure. This event signifies a monumental shift towards greener and more energy-efficient transportation solutions within the rural community.
While acknowledging the invaluable support from the EPA's Clean School Bus Program and the CDPHE's Electric School Bus Grant Program, Big Sandy Schools extended heartfelt gratitude to Mountain View Electric Association and power supplier Tri-State for their contributions and partnership in realizing this initiative.
Steve Wilson, Superintendent of Big Sandy School District, emphasized, "Our goal is to set the school district up for the future." This forward-thinking approach is exemplified through the installation of two InCharge Energy ICE-120 chargers, supporting three Electric IC School Buses supplied by Navistar dealership McCandless Truck Center.
Michael Ogletree, director of the Air Pollution Control Division at CDPHE, highlighted the many benefits of electric school buses, including improved air quality and long-term cost savings. He commended Big Sandy School District for their commitment to sustainability and affirmed CDPHE's continued support through its Colorado Electric School Bus Grant Program.
MVEA in partnership with Tri-State played a supportive role in bringing this project to fruition utilizing energy efficient rebate programs. MVEA Board member, Rick Gordon, as well as MVEA staff Sarah Pinkerton, Carrie Guy, and Jon Tyra, represented MVEA, alongside Michelle Pastor with Tri-State G&T, at the ceremony.
MVEA is proud of its energy efficient rebate programs that continue to set a powerful example in the communities it serves, demonstrating the profound impact of collaborative efforts in creating a sustainable future for generations to come.