The Vicksburg Warren School District may soon be adding new school buses to its fleet.

During its meeting Thursday, the Board of Trustees approved a motion to purchase new buses dependent on the approval of a grant applied for by transportation director Robert Bass.

The grant, which is provided through a partnership between the Environmental Protection Agency and Detroit Diesel Corporation and administered through Thomas Built Buses would enable the school district to receive a 35 percent rebate on the purchase on five new air conditioned 71 passenger buses.

“Every school district, not just in Mississippi, was eligible if they met a certain criteria,” Bass said. “Right now we are trying to see if we meet that criteria. Once that money is gone, it is gone so that is why we are hoping we can get accepted into this program.”

The budget the board approved for the 2018 school year included the funds to purchase three new buses, but Bass said if they receive the grant they will be able to purchase five buses for the same price as three.

The buses typically cost $85,205.45. Under the grant they would each cost $55,383.25.

Bass said they expect to hear if they were approved for the grant by Dec. 8.