Centralia Coal Transition Board Supports
Clean Transportation for the Skamania School District
Centralia, Wash. On April 17, 2023, the Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Technology Board entered into a Grant Agreement with the Skamania School District to support their efforts to scrap and replace a diesel bus with an all-new EV School Bus. The grant award of $100,000 will be leveraged with additional funding efforts by the district and aligns with their goal to reduce air toxics and greenhouse gas emissions, providing cleaner air to their community.
Skamania School District is in southwest Washington and serves as a school for students from Head Start to 8th grade. Their mission, to provide opportunities which prepare students to become responsible decision makers, lifelong learners, and caring, contributing members of society.
The Energy Technology 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 shutting down in December 2020 and the second unit in December 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.