TransAlta Coal Transition Board Awards $290k to the Town of Fairfield
Centralia, Wash. (October
22, 2019) The
TransAlta Centralia Coal
Transition Grants Energy Technology Board announced today it has approved a $290,000
grant to the Town of Fairfield to support the construction of an 96kW ground
based photovoltaic solar array at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Producing
renewable energy, this 96kW solar project will produce approximately 113,400kW
per year through a net metering agreement with Avista Utilities and utilizes
State of Washington manufactured solar panels that qualify for cost recovery
incentive payments.
The $290,000 grant will be leveraged with
funding received from the Washington
Department of Commerce Energy Efficiency and Solar Grants Program and the Town
of Fairfield to fully fund the solar project. The project will reduce the town’s
electric bill at the waste water treatment plant and allow the town to redirect
those funds to capital improvement projects.
“This project adds renewable energy while reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and allows for the town to use their cost savings to
invest in other ways to support the community” says Lori Schmitt, Energy
Technology Board member. “The board sees this project as adding to the solution
in meeting the environmental goals for the state of Washington.”
The Energy Technology Board
was formed as a result of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta and the state of
Washington to transition the Centralia plant away from coal-fired operations
with one unit shutting down in December 2020 and the second unit in December
2025. The company is investing $55 million into Lewis and South Thurston Counties
and the state of Washington through the Coal Transition Boards.
The Town of Fairfield
is a small farming community in southeast Spokane County, located 30 miles
south of Spokane and provides municipal services to town residents including a
modern waste water treatment plant. The
town has an ongoing commitment and goal to upgrade its infrastructure and
technology to best serve the town residents and enlisted the expertise of
Apollo Solutions Group to support their goals.
“Apollo Solutions Group has extensive
experience with small rural cities, towns, and school districts throughout
Washington State and the Pacific Northwest on Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy Projects such as the one with the Town of Fairfield. Receiving a grant
like the one awarded by the Energy Technology Board makes all the difference in
the world to these small rural communities. If the Town of Fairfield didn’t
receive this generous grant from TransAlta Coal Transition Board, this project
wouldn’t have been possible.” – Mike Fuentes, Division Manager, Apollo
Solutions Group
Overview of the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards:
Annual payments
for the funding boards began in 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 Grants Energy Technology Board Supports the Providence Health Care Foundation
Centralia, (August 27, 2019) The
Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Board is pleased to announce a grant
award to the Providence Health Care Foundation to support the installation of a
99kW roof top solar project on the Providence Centralia Hospital. The Foundation will receive $238,036 from the
Energy Technology Board to help fund the replacement of a 25-year old roof
which has increasingly required expensive and temporary patching. The new roof
will protect the integrity of the hospital building; increase sustainability of
the hospital facility, while reducing their carbon footprint; and reduce
overhead operating costs and directing revenues to patient care.
The
Washington made roof mount system will be installed on the hospital’s flat roof
and is expected to produce approximately 94,050kWh annually toward electricity
usage at the Centralia hospital and reduce the hospital’s greenhouse carbon
dioxide emissions by 38,316 metric tons over the next 25 years.
“The
Centralia Coal Transition Board is proud to have the opportunity to bring an alternative
energy project to Providence Centralia Hospital, our largest employer in Lewis
County”, said Matt Matayoshi, board member. “We look forward to seeing the
commencement and completion of the project and learning about the positive
impacts not only for the hospital, but for patients.
The
Energy Technology Board was formed as a result of the 2011 Agreement between
TransAlta and the state of Washington to transition the Centralia plant away
from coal-fired operations with one unit shutting down in December 2020 and the
second unit in December 2025. The company is investing $55 million into Lewis and
South Thurston Counties and the state of Washington through the Coal Transition
Boards.
The
Providence Health Care Foundation supports, among other Providence facilities,
Providence Centralia Hospital, a 128-bed, not-for-profit hospital providing
emergency care, diagnostic, cancer, birthing and surgical services, providing
nearly 5,000 hospital admissions and in excess of 260,000 outpatient visits
annually.
“We are tremendously grateful for the
investment from TransAlta and this grant,” said Dr. Kevin Caserta, site
administrator for Providence Centralia Hospital, who also sits on the
Foundation board. “This project helps us continue to move toward our vision of
Health for a Better World, which includes overall environmental stewardship.”
Overview of the
Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards:
Annual payments for the
funding boards began in 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, businesses, 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 Grants Weatherization Board supports energy upgrades for Riverside Fire Authority
Centralia, (July 15, 2019) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Weatherization Board is pleased to announce it has approved a grant to improve energy conservation, reduce operating costs and optimize building use and performance for the Riverside Fire Authority. The project will replace antiquated heating ventilation, air conditioning and water heating systems at the downtown Centralia Fire Station and the Fords Prairie Fire Station.
The
grant amount of $300,000 will allow the Riverside Fire Authority to realize
optimal production and energy use and, provide the opportunity to return the
buildings to a state which supports the 24-hour career firefighters staffed at
both locations and provides shelter for emergency personnel and civilians.
“The
Weatherization Board has invested millions of dollars into the local community
to support energy efficiency projects over the last
several years” said Jeff Yanish, board member. “The upgrade projects proposed
by the Riverside Fire Authority serve two primary purposes, providing an energy
efficient environment for firefighters, EMS personnel and at times, for
community members during emergency situations and second, they will see a
reduction in energy use and costs associated with maintenance and monthly
bills.”
The
Weatherization Board was formed as part of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta
and the state of Washington to transition the Centralia plant away from
coal-fired operations with one unit shutting down in December 2020 and the
second unit in December 2025.
“Receiving
the grant from the Centralia Coal Transition board is a tremendous benefit to
our Department and the citizens of the greater Centralia area” said Michael
Kytta, Fire Chief. “The 24 hour staffed fire stations that we all depend on
will gain improved energy conservation, lower operating costs and greater
capacity year-round to serve the public and our personnel. Without this grant
these improvements would not be possible.”
The
Riverside Fire Authority (RFA) began operations on January 1, 2008 when the
City of Centralia Fire Department and Lewis County Fire District 12 combined
forces. Today the RFA encompasses 184 square miles and provides fire and EMS
protection for 23,320 residents. The RFA has 22 career and 45 volunteer fire
fighters, two career staff and 6 fire stations.
Overview of the Centralia
Coal Transition Funding Boards:
Annual payments for the
funding boards began in 2012 with the last payment due Dec. 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 Supports The Recreation Park Renovation Project
Centralia, (April 29, 2019) The Centralia Coal Transition Boards are pleased to announce they are supporting the Chehalis Foundation and the City of Chehalis in their efforts to revitalize Recreation Park with a rebuild of the Penny Playground. The Weatherization Board has approved a grant in the amount of $50,000 for improvements to the electrical system which includes the addition of LED lights that will cover a larger area while reducing the number of lights for a significant power savings. The Economic & Community Development Board has awarded a grant in the amount of $300,000 which funding will be applied to support the American Disabilities Act (ADA) playground surfacing and walkways within the Penny Playground area.
“We see both of these funding opportunities as a way to support to the community with safety enhancements to a place where families gather to enjoy the outdoors, and a place where kids have an opportunity to play together without barriers”, said Lori Schmitt Funding Board member. “25 years ago, the community, including children collected pennies to support the original Penny Playground. It’s exciting to award funding dollars to a project that was built 25 years ago and still has the support from the community. We look forward to watching the renovation take place and seeing the results.”
The Weatherization and Economic & Community Development Boards were formed as a result of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta and the state of Washington. This agreement allows 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.
“There
is a genuine need to replace the play structures in Penny Playground”, said Tim
Sayler, Chehalis Foundation President. “We see our support in fundraising for
this renovation as another opportunity to bring the community together to honor
the legacy of the original Penny Playground and to create a new one for our
future generation. With the support of the community we will create a fun,
challenging, and safe Penny Playground that will serve all children of Chehalis
and surrounding areas for generations to come. “
The
Chehalis Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit community foundation.
Contributions sustain the Foundation’s ability to support the City of Chehalis
with civic improvements, parks and recreational facility improvements and
provide state-of-the-art educational programs and opportunities for children.
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.
For more information on
the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards visit: http://cctgrants.com
Centralia Coal Transition Board Supports partnership between the Centralia College Foundation and Centralia College
Centralia, February 12, 2019 The
Centralia Coal Transition Grants Economic & Community Development Board is
pleased to announce it has approved a $1,300,000 grant to the Centralia College
Foundation to construct a 12,000 square foot facility on the Centralia College
campus to house training programs to meet current and prospective employer
workforce training needs.
The proposed site
for this pre-engineered building is adjacent to the technology building and is
already zoned for educational use.
“This grant will
provide the funding to build the facility and allow members of the Foundation
and the College to focus on securing additional funding for equipment which
includes an overhead crane, six heavy equipment simulators, a commercial truck
simulator, computer lab, robotics/automation equipment, compressed air system,
forklift and miscellaneous program driven equipment and tools” said Jeff
Yanish, funding board member. “The opportunity to support a project which
expands and enhances career and technical education programs to serve the economic
development needs in the local area falls within the mission of the board.
The Economic & Community Development 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.
Centralia College has consistently been a strong
supporter of education programs supporting local industry and the trades. This grant for a flexible trades building
will expand the college’s ability
to train-on-demand in response
and anticipation of industry needs.
The building will also enhance the
college’s partnership with local and regional
manufacturers. Dr. Bob
Mohrbacher, President of Centralia
College indicates “This new
facility gives Centralia College the ability
to extend our existing
partnerships with local industry, with
potential new employers
coming to the area,
and with area high schools. We can
build up the local workforce and
respond quickly to new training needs.”
Plans are in the works
for Centralia College to create a mobile
classroom for career
and technical training that will take
simulators and equipment
to local high schools. This
will expose students to Centralia
College’s trades programs,
local industry needs and various career
opportunities.
Equipment and training
aids will be interchangeable
between the mobile classroom
and the new building. Centralia College Dean of Instruction for Healthcare
and Industrial Trades, Jake Fay has been
working with local high schools to create articulation agreements that will
allow students to complete training
in high school that will
count towards degrees at the college. “I’m really excited for this
opportunity,” said Fay. “I see this as a great opportunity
to collaborate with local industry partners and the K-12 system. We will be preparing the
residents of Lewis
County for employment
in the high demand and high
skill jobs that provide living wages right here in our community.”
The Centralia
College Foundation will be working in close coordination with the college in
completing this foundation owned building. “I am happy to represent the foundation
and board on this project for the benefit of the college, businesses, and local
trades. Our thanks to the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Board for their
support and their confidence in the foundation.” Said Christine Fossett,
Executive Director.
The Centralia
College Foundation was founded in 1982 and is a premier fund-raising
organization that actively stimulates the community to invest through it, the
funds and other assets and energies needed for Centralia College and its
students. The Foundation partners with Centralia College in a variety of ways,
the prominent avenues being scholarships for students, program support and
capital campaigns.
Overview of the Centralia Coal
Transition Funding Boards:
Annual
payments for the funding boards have been made for the past five years 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.
