Centralia, (June 2, 2016) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Weatherization Board is pleased to announce it has approved a grant to replace an antiquated furnace dating back to 1930 with a new and efficient heating and cooling system at the Historic Fox Theatre in Centralia, Washington. With this upgrade, in coordination with the additional restoration efforts, the Fox Theatre will take one step closer to completion of the restoration project.
The grant amount of $383,843.75 will be combined with other secured funding for a newly engineered, efficient heating and cooling system and will be installed in conjunction with a full roof replacement and south wall restoration. The physical structure improvements to the 85 year old building will take place during the summer of 2016.
The Weatherization 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.
“Over the past few months the theatre restoration project has received other grants which were the springboard for the Weatherization Board to approve the grant” says Debbie Campbell, Chair of the Weatherization Board. “Funding the grant for a new HV/AC system will warm the theatre in the winter and cool it in the summer giving production cast and patrons a comfortable setting to enjoy events. The board members are excited to see the Historic Fox Theatre restoration project complete the final phases of the structural improvements.”
Historic Fox Theatre Restorations (“HFTR”) is a 501c3 non-profit organization located in Centralia, Washington. Established in June of 2008, HFTR’s sole mission is the restoration of Centralia’s Historic Fox Theatre to its original 1930 grandeur. The 1,000-seat theatre hosts an array of theatre, music and film events and serves as a community gathering place.
“This generous commitment by the Weatherization Board has made the vision of a restored Fox Theatre in Historic Downtown Centralia a reality” says Scott White, President of HFTR. “The money contributed, combined with a State Grant and other funding is making it possible not only to completely replace the theatre’s HV/AC system and weatherize the building, but it is making it possible to replace the Fox Theatre’s main roof and repair the massive South brick facade of the theatre as well. Because of this funding the Fox Theatre, by the end of this summer’s project, will be declared officially saved for many generations to come.”
“Consistent with the Weatherization Board’s mission to providing funding of projects to improve energy efficiency and weatherization within Lewis County and South Thurston County it is a goal of the board to promote the economic and environmental benefits that come from improved energy efficiency” says Nancy Hirsh, a member of the Weatherization Board. “HFTR has agreed to work with the Weatherization Board members to design and post an educational display depicting the energy efficiency measures that this new system will have for the theatre. I’m looking forward to working with HFTR on this project.”
Overview of the Funding Boards
Annual payments for the funding boards have been made for the past four years 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.
For more information on the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards visit: http://cctgrants.com
First grant application approved by Centralia Coal Transition Weatherization Board (CCTWB)
For immediate release
Centralia, (March 29, 2016) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Weatherization Board is pleased to announce it has approved its first grant application submitted by the Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties.
This is the first grant to be approved by the Weatherization Board and will support weatherization services in Lewis County and South Thurston County over a 24 month period. Members of the Weatherization Board approved the total grant of $727,433.00 and authorized the first payment of $363,716.50 to be paid on April 1, 2016 and the second payment of $363,716.50 to be paid on April 1, 2017.
The Weatherization 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.
“We knew that the collaborative approach would achieve better results when we were negotiating the phase out of coal powered electricity plants. The TransAlta Energy Transition Bill signed with the State of Washington in 2011, I believe, was THE case study for successful collaboration with environmental groups, community stakeholders, employees and local and State governments,” said Dawn Farrell, CEO and President of TransAlta. “And in return for fixed transition dates to close our plants, we invested $55 million dollars into the communities that would be most impacted by this transition. I am proud today to say that this agreement is now bearing fruit for the people of the local community.”
“The 2011 agreement between TransAlta and the state was an historic step forward, both in our transition away from coal-fired power and in demonstrating our deep commitment to helping the workers and communities most affected by that transition” said State Governor Jay Inslee. “This first grant supports weatherization projects that will help over a hundred local families make cost- and energy-saving improvements to their homes. I commend TransAlta for their corporate citizenship, and for their support of Washington’s clean energy future.”
The Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties (“CAC”) is a private non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation serving the Lewis, Mason & Thurston County communities since 1966. Under the grant the CAC has committed to expand its current weatherization efforts through the coordination of services with local weatherization providers to support weatherization services to eligible households residing in the Lewis County and South Thurston County.
“The Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties is excited to partner with Weatherization Board to provide high quality weatherization services to the eligible families in our local community” says John Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of CAC. “The weatherization program provides conservation measures to residential homes to improve heating and energy-saving efficiencies while creating a safer and healthier home for the occupants. Ultimately, the program improves and preserves the affordable housing stock in our communities. We are looking forward to the launching of this valuable project.”
The Mission of the Weatherization Board is to provide funding of projects to improve energy efficiency and weatherization within Lewis County and South Thurston County. “One of our primary goals as a board is to maximize the financial support we can provide” said Debbie Campbell, Chair of the board. “This project will partner with community and other agencies that provide weatherization programs to expand the impact of the current program, and provide cost effective weatherization solutions that demonstrate permanent energy cost savings for families of eligible households. It fits perfectly with our mission.”
Funding Boards
Annual payments for the funding boards have been made for the past four years 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.
For more information on the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards visit: http://cctgrants.com
$55 million community development, energy efficiency investment moving ahead
On July 30, 2015 TransAlta issued a news release to announce plans to move ahead with the $55 million investment for the Centralia Coal Transition Grants. This is exciting news for our community and Washington State. Please take a few minutes to read the announcement below. We are looking forward to making sound decisions on how this money will be used to strengthen the community and the state.
Debbie Campbell, Chair of the Weatherization Board; Alicia Bull, Chair of the Economic and Community Development Board; Bob Guenther, Chair of the Energy Technology Board
CENTRALIA, Washington (July 30, 2015) – TransAlta Corporation (TSX: TA; NYSE: TAC) has announced it is moving ahead with plans to invest $55 million over 10 years to support energy efficiency, economic and community development, and education and retraining initiatives in Washington State.
The initiative is part of TransAlta Centralia’s transition from coal-fired operations in Washington, beginning in December 31, 2020.
The $55 million community investment is part of the TransAlta Energy Transition Bill, passed in 2011. This bill was an historic agreement between policymakers, environmentalists, labor leaders and TransAlta to transition away from coal in Washington State, closing the Centralia facility’s two units, one in 2020 and the other in 2025.
TransAlta’s long-term contract with Puget Sound Energy, which is up to 380 megawatts (MW), is key to Centralia operations. Although TransAlta did not secure additional long-term contracts totaling 500 MW as required in the original agreement as a condition of the investment, the company is following through on its funding pledge. Low power prices and slow economic growth reduced the need for new capacity.
“Being a good neighbor means investing in the communities in which we operate,” said Dawn Farrell, TransAlta president and CEO. “Although growth has been slower than expected, we are taking the long view on this partnership with the community, Puget Sound Energy and Washington State and keeping our commitment. The funding enables the community to transition to new sources of energy over a reasonable timeframe as well as manage the economic and employment implications of the scheduled plant closures.”
After the legislation passed, an agreement was signed to create three boards to distribute funding to support a variety of actions including, education and retraining; energy efficiency measures for low-income residents; and new technologies geared to improving the environment.
“TransAlta’s decision is a welcome step that continues their commitment to Washington,” said State Governor Jay Inslee. “I am excited about the opportunities these funds will create to grow the local economy and develop innovative new clean technology. Our partnership is a model for how we can make significant progress on climate change while creating jobs and strengthening communities.”
TransAlta is considering plans to build a new gas plant at the Centralia site or convert the coal-fired units to natural gas. Until that time, TransAlta will continue to be a partner and environmental steward of the State’s resources. TransAlta has invested more than $300 million to make Centralia one of the cleanest coal plants in North America today and we continue to improve our environmental performance.
“The company providing financial support for the workers and community as well as new clean energy technologies was a critical factor that made the 2011 agreement to close the coal-fired plant a landmark,” said Nancy Hirsh, executive director of the NW Energy Coalition, “The Coalition looks forward to working with TransAlta to further clean energy investments in Washington.”
Funding Boards
Annual payments for the funding boards have been made for the past three years with the last payment due Dec. 31, 2023. The boards will have an opportunity to start flowing dollars into projects starting December 31, 2015.
Weatherization Board: 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: established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; up to $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: established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.