St. John Valley Times: Pilot bus program has Jackson support

ONLINE FIRST – IN PRINT NEXT – ST. JOHN VALLEY – State Senator Troy Jackson was instrumental in the successful funding of a pilot bus refurbishing program aimed at saving taxpayer dollars and creating jobs. The program will take place at the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, according to a press release from the Maine Legislature’s Senate Democratic Office.

“Refurbishing school buses is not only a good deal for state taxpayers but it also provides jobs in Aroostook County where jobs are scarce,” said Sen. Jackson of Allagash. “This program proves that with smart investments we can still tighten our financial belts and create jobs.”

The goal of the School Bus Refurbishment Pilot Program is to extend the safe and useful life of school buses by refurbishing “mid-life” school buses. According to the Department of Education, a new school bus costs $85,000 while refurbishing a school bus costs $30,000, according to the press release.

Funding for the program was included in the state’s supplemental budget recently signed by the governor.