Centralia Coal Transition Board Supports Lewis County Young Professionals
Centralia, (February 13, 2026) The Centralia Coal Transition Economic & Community Development Board approved a grant award in the amount of $100,000.00 to support a leadership development program for young professionals who live or work in Lewis County. The program will include workshops and development ranging from networking, community and workforce development, and regional industries, culminating in a final capstone project.
The Lewis County Young Professionals is an organization dedicated to empowering and connecting individuals under the age of 40 who live or work in Lewis Cunty. Their mission is to cultivate a community of young professionals that represent the diverse backgrounds and industries within the region. The organization offers monthly networking events, hosting workshops and supports local philanthropic programs such as fundraising for local nonprofits.
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.