Centralia Coal Transition Board Supports Chehalis Foundation
Centralia, (November 3, 2025) The Centralia Coal Transition Economic & Community Development Board approved a grant award in the amount of $500,000.00 to support the W.F. West Football, Soccer and Track Project. The Chehalis Foundation will receive grant funds which will be allocated to upgrades to the W.F. West High School field and track to improve infrastructure, installation of turf, expansion to regulation soccer field dimensions and resurfacing the track. These improvements will enhance the overall experience for athletes and spectators.
This project has several additional sources of funding and is a project that will serve Lewis County year-round for youth and their families while supporting sports tourism in the community. Construction is anticipated to begin in late spring of 2026.
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.