Centralia Coal Transition Board supports Adna School District
Centralia, Wash. The Economic & Community Development Board approved a grant award in the amount of $808,326.00 to support the Adna School/Community Gymnasium Project. The school district recognized a need for more gym space with increased student enrollment and community growth. Over the years the school district was able to meet their needs by renting various facilities. The funding from the Centralia Coal Transition Board will help allow the school district to complete the construction of a 70’x105’ gymnasium with accompanying restrooms, backstops, scoreboards, spectator seating and a sound system, making the building available for school and community events.
The Adna School District sits midway between Portland and Seattle and is located five miles west of the I-5 corridor and the twin cities of Chehalis and Centralia. The district can be described as diverse, with a traditional agricultural base and close-knit community. Community support is strong with members actively participating and partnering with the schools.
The district student enrollment is approximately 650 with a graduating class generally in the 60s. Graduates have been successful in many different areas including medicine, education, arts, and trades.
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:
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.