Centralia Coal Transition Board Supports American Legion Grant Hodge Post 17
Centralia, (September 22, 2025) The Centralia Coal Transition Economic & Community Development Board approved a grant award in the amount of $15,080.19 to support the replacement of the elevator of the American Legion Grant Hodge Post 17. The original elevator installed in 1974 needed upgrades to allow members of the American Legion to have the safe use of elevator services in lieu of climbing stars to their meeting location. The funding will allow the organization to continue their mission of supporting veterans, youth, and serve the community.
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.