News

Centralia Coal Transition Board awards grant to Northwest Seaport Alliance to support diesel emission reductions for Washington State

Centralia, WA (April 2, 2020) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Technology Board is excited to announce it has approved a $1,000,000 grant submitted on behalf of the Northwest Seaport Alliance to support the installation of shore power connection points for two vessel berths at Husky Terminal in Tacoma, Washington. Providing shore power to vessels while at berth allows them to switch off their auxiliary generators, avoiding the combustion of approximately 10.5 metric tons of fuel per day. The proposed shore power connection system would serve a diverse fleet of internationally flagged container vessels at Husky Terminal.

“The Funding Board is excited to be a part of this electrification effort at the Port,” said Nancy Hirsh, Coal Transition Board Member, and neighboring communities will surely benefit from reducing air emissions.” 

The Energy Technology Board was formed as a result of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta and the state of Washington. This agreement allowed for the Centralia plant to move away from coal-fired operations with one unit shutting down in December 2020 and the second unit in December 2025. TransAlta is investing $55 million into Lewis and South Thurston Counties and the state of Washington through the Coal Transition Boards.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) is a marine cargo operating partnership of the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. The NWSA is the fourth largest container gateway in North America and its primary function is to serve as an economic engine for Pierce and King Counties, creating jobs and stimulating trade.  

Overview of the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards:

Annual payments for the funding boards have been made since 2012 with the last payment due December 31, 2023.  The opportunity to start flowing dollars into projects became effective December 31, 2015.

Weatherization Board ($10M): established to fund energy efficiency and weatherization for the residents, employees, business, non-profit organizations and local governments within Lewis County and South Thurston County; up to $1 million shall be allocated to fund residential energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income and moderate-income residents of Lewis County and South Thurston County;

Economic & Community Development Board ($20M): established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; at least $5M shall be allocated to fund education, retraining and economic development specifically targeting the needs of workers displaced from the Centralia facility;

Energy Technology Board ($25M): established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.

Centralia Coal Transition Board awards grant to Valley View Health Center

Centralia, Wash. (May 19, 2020) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Economic & Community Development Board has approved a $261,000 grant to Valley View Health Center to support free community-wide COVID-19 testing. The community-wide testing will provide public health officials and community leaders with critical information as the community and state move to re-open the economy. The testing project will serve all residents of Lewis County and has three phases which commences now and goes through March, 2021.

Note: Valley View Health Center received funding from another source and the grant paid of $261,000 by the transition board was returned.

Centralia Coal Transition Board awards grant to Sandstone Distillery

Centralia, Wash. (May 19, 2020) The Centralia Coal Transition Board is pleased to announce the award of a grant to Sandstone Distillery in the amount of $63,000 from the Economic & Community Development Board. The grant dollars will be used to support the retrofit of a 3,000 gallon copper vessel that was slated for decommissioning and eventual scrap, affectionately known as “Gabe”. The re-purposing of this equipment will allow for the production of large quantities of hand and surface sanitizer which can then be ready for distribution to the communities of Lewis and South Thurston Counties as necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Centralia Coal Transition Board awards grant to the City of Colville

Centralia, Wash. (May 5, 2020) The Centralia Coal Transition Board is pleased to announce the award of a grant to the City of Colville in the amount of $260,000. The funding will support the installation of a 100kW ground based photovoltaic solar array at the Waste Water Treatment Plant which will result in lowering energy costs currently being incurred by the waste water treatment plant and, align with their commitment to good stewardship.

Centralia Coal Transition Board awards grant to Gather Church

Centralia, Wash. (April 20, 2020) The Centralia Coal Transition Board is pleased to announce a grant award to Gather Church from the Weatherization Board in the amount of $26,156.27. The funding will be used to support the installation of HVAC systems in their childcare building, day shelter and multi-purpose building. This organization offers free clothing, food and shelter to those in need and serves hundreds of individuals and families every month.