News

Centralia Coal Transition Weatherization Board supports the Roxy Repair and Renovations Project, Website

Centralia, (January 3, 2022) On July 15, 2021 the Centralia Coal Transition Weatherization Board approved a grant award in the amount of $228,629.00 to support weatherization and energy efficiency improvements at the Roxy Theater in Morton, Washington. The project is being led by the Fire Mountain Arts Council who have partnered with various local contributors and volunteers to address the urgent long-needed improvements to ensure the viability of the theater and to spark economic activity in eastern Lewis County.

The Weatherization Board and the Fire Mountain Arts Council agreed to disburse the grant award in two installments, $114,314.50 was paid on November 4, 2021 and the balance of $114,314.50 is anticipated to be paid in the late Spring, 2022.  Work is currently underway to make improvements/repairs to the roof, HVAC system and stage lighting. These improvements will not only reduce the current energy costs but will allow for a more comfortable environment for the OnStage Youth Theatre Education Program and for the many other community members who make use of the theater throughout the year.  

The Fire Mountain Arts Council (FMAC) is proud to serve as the cornerstone for arts and culture in the small mountain community of Morton, Washington. FMAC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2003 to renovate the Roxy Theater. Dependent on donors, volunteers, and members, FMAC now creates and delivers extraordinary theatre and education programs, engaging community members and visitors. FMAC is proud to support three cultural venues: the Roxy Theater, BCJ Gallery and the Tiller Arts & Events Center.

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 retiring in December 2020 and the second unit in December 2025.

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.

Coal Transition Board Awards a Grant to support 9.6kW solar project, Website

Media Island International, a non-profit organization received a grant award of $6,703.00

Centralia, Wash. (August 17, 2021) The TransAlta Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Technology Board approved a grant award of $6,703.00 to support the installation of a rooftop solar energy system on the Media Island building in downtown Olympia, Washington. This grant award is being leveraged with funding received from the Hammond Climate Solution’s “Solar Moonshot” program.

The 9.6kW solar project is expected to reduce annual electric costs saving the organization approximately $1,500 per year and support the efforts of the organization in meeting regional emission reduction goals. The system, engineered by Olympia solar installer South Sound Solar utilizes modules manufactured in Washington State and has an estimated annual production of 7,690kWh.

Media Island International is a cultural, educational, and networking center, whose focus is to support women of color in their leadership while working with other like-minded individuals and groups who do conscious social justice activism. Media Island collaborates with the Olympia Community Solar, a non-profit community solar company with a mission to support transition to clean energy through community solar education, policy, and project development.

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.

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 Board Supports the NW Sports Hub Expansion, Website

Centralia, Wash. (August 10, 2021) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Economic & Community Development Board has approved a grant award in the amount of $450,000 to support the Lewis County Public Facilities District’s (“LCPFD”) goal for the NW Sports Hub Expansion Project. The expansion project will add four new basketball courts, eight volleyball courts and add to the spectator viewing and parking areas. The NW Sports Hub facilitates indoor sporting and community events.  

The LCPFD sees a direct correlation to this expansion in providing an economic boost in jobs as well as an opportunity to provide more opportunities for youth, families, and local businesses. This vision aligns with the mission of the Economic and Community Development Board and the members look forward learning more about the economic and community benefits this project brings to the local community.

The LCPFD was created in 2007 with the purpose to build a new regional center for Lewis County. The LCPFD has a history of partnerships with the City of Centralia, the Centralia School District, Sports Capital Northwest and the Lewis County Trails Association.

The Economic & Community Development 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 retiring at the end of 2020 and the second unit at the end of 2025. The company is investing $55 million into Lewis and South Thurston Counties and the state of Washington through the Coal Transition Boards.

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 Board Supports the United Learning Center Project, Website

The $1,000,000 grant will support economic development, jobs, education, community enhancement and energy efficiency.  

Centralia, (August 10, 2021) The Centralia Coal Transition Boards are pleased to announce they are supporting the United Way of Lewis County, Boys and Girls Clubs of Lewis County and the Discover! Children’s Museum in their efforts to unite children, families, and the community in the United Learning Center (“ULC”) facility which will be constructed on a lot donated by the City of Centralia. The space will facilitate the comprehensive education of community youth through the founding partners’ combined skills, resources, and connections. Once complete the ULC will contain a specialized early learning center for pre-school aged children, a Boys and Girls Club for after school and summer engagement, and the Discover! Children’s Museum, a place for learning of all ages.  

The Weatherization Board and the Economic and Community Development Board have each approved a grant award of $500,000 for a total grant of $1,000,000 to support the ULC project. This project has additional sources of funding, $4,000,000 from the Washington State Legislature, $1,900,000 from the City of Centralia REET funds and provides for an opportunity for additional partners to join in this exciting project through a capital campaign.  

The funding board members appreciate the collaboration efforts by the United Way of Lewis County, the Boys and Girls Club and Discover! Children’s Museum to bring this type of supportive environment to the community and look forward to watching the project progress. Funding this project will support economic development, jobs, education, community enhancement and energy efficiency.

For more than 50 years, United Way of Lewis County has been committed to serving the local community. Through triumphs and challenges, natural disasters and rebuilding, United Way mobilizes the caring power to help those in need. With the ULC project the agency, with their partners, are using full forces to do the same for local children and families.

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.

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 supports the Transitional Living Center Project in Spokane, Washington, Website

Grant award will support installation of a 40kW rooftop solar system

Centralia, Wash. (August 10, 2021) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Technology Board is pleased to announce a grant award in the amount of $41,750 to support the Transitions organization based in Spokane, Washington. The installation of a 40kW solar system on the rooftop of the Transitions building will produce approximately 34,842kWh per year, offsetting usage by 50% and lowering operating costs by approximately $4,400.00 per year. These operational savings will then be reinvested in the programs offered through the Transitional Living Center programs.

The addition of a solar system will complement the energy efficiency improvements made over time and aligns with the organizations commitment to environmental sustainability. Transitions is partnering with Spark Northwest and RE-volv on this renewable energy project. RE-volv is a nonprofit that provides solar financing to nonprofits, houses of worships, and community focused organizations across the United States and trains college student to help nonprofits go solar. Spark Northwest is a nonprofit that accelerates the shift to clean energy in the Pacific Northwest, one community at a time.

Transitions’ Transitional Living Center in Spokane, Washington provides supportive transitional housing for women and children experiencing homelessness. Their housing programs offers a safe environment, time, and services to support transition to permanent housing, regain employment toward the goal of family stabilization and self-sufficiency.

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.

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