WASHINGTON -- The federal government is doling out $1 million to nine technical and community colleges across the U.S. for commercial driver license training programs, but only one recipient appears on the way toward establishing a curriculum for motorcoach drivers.

A second school says its premature to talk about a bus driver program and the others are either focusing exclusively on over-the-road truck drivers or could not be reached for comment.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced last month it was awarding the $1 million in grants to the schools to enhance classroom safety curriculums and behind-the-wheel training courses for students enrolled in commercial driver license training programs.

"Our nation relies on a workforce of well-trained, safety conscious, professional truck and bus drivers to move our economy," said FMCSA Administrator John H. Hill. "Through this grant program, we are helping provide the cadre of highly qualified commercial drivers that our nation needs. This is also an investment in individuals and in communities seeking enriched economic opportunities for the future."

However, its almost exclusively an investment in better truck drivers.

Eligible entities for the annual commercial motor vehicle grants include accredited public and private institutions of higher education, federally recognized Native American Tribal Governments, and city, county and state governments.

The CMV Operator Training Grant Program, which was established by Congress three years ago has two goals:

To expand the number of CDL holders possessing enhanced operator safety training to help reduce the severity and number of crashes on U.S. roads involving commercial motor vehicles.

To assist economically distressed regions of the country by providing workforce training opportunities for qualified individuals to become commercial motor vehicle operators.

Maricopa Community College in Glendale, Ariz., was awarded $52,663, and is actively putting together plans for a program to train potential bus drivers. It is the only one of the nine known to be doing so.

Chuck Blagg, a former motorcoach driver and director of the colleges program, is hoping to obtain, as donations, two school buses to use for behind-the-wheel training.

The need for bus drivers is critical, in part, because theres considerable turnover, said Blagg. "Most school bus drivers are part-timers," he said. "Its not an eight-hour-a-day job. And with fuel prices where they are, everybody is looking for a part-time job."

Blagg has no idea how many students will apply, and the number he will be able to accept depends on whether he receives one bus or two. A lot also depends on whether school districts will turn over their driver programs to him.

"I can do it cheaper," he asserts.

The course, which Blagg hopes to have up and running by September, will consist of 80 hours of instruction and will focus on school buses and motorcoaches. It will include information on the need to pass U.S. Department of

Transportation drug screening; a written exam that covers the state motor vehicle division skills program; vehicle inspections, and a behind-the-wheel driving test.

"Well test them at the end and send them to MVD," Blagg said.

The course also will provide instruction on handling and dealing with passengers.

"It will cover first aid for school bus drivers, how to control bullying on a school bus, danger zone awareness and night driving," he said.

Asked whether he will market the program to bus companies, Blagg replied: "Weve got things in the works but nothing solid yet."

Blagg and a staff member both have passenger endorsement CDLs from Arizona. Together they have more than 30 years of experience behind the wheel of motorcoaches, he said.

Here is a rundown on the eight other grant recipients:

Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Ohio. Awarded $83,300. An official of the colleges Regional Transportation Institute said the intention is to launch a bus driver training program, but he couldnt provide details.

Arkansas State University, Newport, Ark. Awarded $87,500. Bentley Wallace, director of the commercial drivers training program, said the school does not train bus drivers. "We always look at opportunities to expand the curriculum, but the guidelines of our grant would not allow that. Our grant is specifically for enhanced safety training for over-the-road drivers." Wallace added that most bus companies train their own drivers.

West Hills Community College, Coalinga, Calif. Awarded $80,640. The school focuses on training heavy equipment drivers.

Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield, Mo. Awarded $198,087. Cindy Stephens said the CDL program is exclusively for over-the-road truck drivers. "Our current focus is not on the bus and motorcoach industry," she said.

Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, Ill., awarded $49,855; National

Tractor Trailer School, Liverpool, N.Y., awarded $120,000); Lehigh Carbon Community College, Schnecksville, Pa., awarded $127,955, and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, Orangeburg, S.C., awarded $200,000, did not return phone calls or could not be reached for comment.