A $200,000 federal grant will allow Wareham’s Municipal Maintenance Department to replace 10 aging school buses with brand new vehicles.

The money will come from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emissions Education Act program, said Municipal Maintenance Transportation Manager Jamie Andrews.

“This grant is a godsend, especially considering the tough times we’re going through as a district,” said Andrews.

Currently, Wareham Public Schools officials are trying to bridge a $2 million gap in next year’s budget. A budget of just under $31 million, proposed by school officials, would maintain services. However, the Town of Wareham’s draft budget is $28.4 million due to lackluster revenues available to the town.

Andrews wrote the application that earned the grant, which will come in the form of rebates. Municipal Maintenance has approximately three months to purchase the new buses. They will replace ones that are roughly 15 years old.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the grants are designed to reduce harmful emissions from older, dirtier diesel vehicles. Since the program started in 2012, more than 900 vehicles have been replaced.

The grant covers $20,000 per bus for ten buses. School buses cost $90,000 each, so the remaining money would have to be borrowed – $700,000 total for 10 buses.

Town Administrator Derek Sullivan said he doesn’t think that money could be paid back in a timely manner, given the current budget.

Sullivan suggested purchasing a few buses few buses that can be afforded, but not all 10 that the grant assists with.

“I think they applied for this maybe six months ago, so what a difference six months makes,” Sullivan said.

Two years ago, federal funds from the same grant were used to replace 10 other buses, and the money borrowed was paid back in 18 months, Sullivan said. In total, the department has 40 buses.

With half of the fleet about to be brand new or just over two years old, Andrews said maintenance costs will be kept low for some time. Additionally, the new buses will make for a smooth ride for students.

“It’s definitely a good thing for the kids,” said Andrews. “They’ll be riding to school in style.”