The Richland R-IV School District has received grant funding through the Missouri DNR (Department of Natural Resources) Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust School Bus Replacement Program, toward the purchase of a new bus.
In 2016, the United States settled complaints against Volkswagen to resolve claims that Volkswagen violated the Clean Air Act by selling approximately 590,000 vehicles with 2.0 and 3.0 liter diesel engines having emissions defeat devices.
Richland School District received $22,500.00 towards the total cost of $94,750.00. The remainder of the funds were paid through school district reserve funds. This grant and the purchase of the new bus is part of the district plans to improve the district's bus fleet for the safety of students. The bus is expected to arrive in late October.