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
Media Inquiries:
Debbie Campbell, Chair, Weatherization Board
T: +1 (360) 748-8100 | C: +1 (360) 508-1147
Email: coaltransitionboards@transalta.com
Links:
http://www.transalta.com/node/878