Centralia Coal Transition Board
Economic & Community Development Board Supports Facility Safety Improvements
Centralia, Wash. (June 13, 2024) The Centralia Coal Transition Board approved a grant award in the amount of $12,561.00 to support the Rochester Youth Rodeo Association with safety improvements at the Oakville Regional Event Center. Each year the association hosts two junior rodeos which bring in approximately 120 contestants, their families, animals and spectators. The funding assisted with the installation of a new water main to allow for controlled and safer watering of the arena and new roping boxes at the proper height. All installation labor and facility preparation were donated by the organization and its volunteers.
The Rochester Youth Rodeo Association was formed approximately 20 years ago and is a local non-profit organization. Their mission is to support the growth and development of Western Washington’s youth through advancement of the western lifestyle and values.
The Economic & Community Development 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:
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.