Centralia Coal Transition Board Supports the NW Sports Hub Expansion
Centralia, Wash. (August 10, 2021) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Economic & Community Development Board has approved a grant award in the amount of $450,000 to support the Lewis County Public Facilities District’s (“LCPFD”) goal for the NW Sports Hub Expansion Project. The expansion project will add four new basketball courts, eight volleyball courts and add to the spectator viewing and parking areas. The NW Sports Hub facilitates indoor sporting and community events.
The LCPFD sees a direct correlation to this expansion in providing an economic boost in jobs as well as an opportunity to provide more opportunities for youth, families, and local businesses. This vision aligns with the mission of the Economic and Community Development Board and the members look forward learning more about the economic and community benefits this project brings to the local community.
The LCPFD was created in 2007 with the purpose to build a new regional center for Lewis County. The LCPFD has a history of partnerships with the City of Centralia, the Centralia School District, Sports Capital Northwest and the Lewis County Trails Association.
The Economic & Community Development Board was formed as a result 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 at the end of 2020 and the second unit at the end of 2025. The company is investing $55 million into Lewis and South Thurston Counties and the state of Washington through the Coal Transition Boards.
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.