Centralia Coal Transition Energy Technology Board (CCTETB) supports Twin Transit Electric Bus Charging Station project
For immediate release
Centralia, (January 30, 2017) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Technology Board is pleased to announce it has approved a grant to Twin Transit to support the introduction of a 100% electric bus to its fleet. This bus is a zero-emission vehicle that operates each day on a single electric charge to its collection of battery cells.
The grant amount of $37,810.00 will support the installation of a 40kW charging station within the Twin Transit bus storage yard. The electrical service will be installed and the charging station will be fully operational with bus daily services beginning February, 2017.
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.
“We are pleased to assist Twin Transit in updating their operation” says Mike Gudeman, Energy Technology Board Member. “Using this latest technology will benefit Twin Transit in lowering fuel costs and provide a positive impact on our environment and community. Making a positive impact to the environment is one of our missions as a board.”
Twin Transit is the business name of the Lewis Public Transportation Benefit Area (“LPTBA”). The LPTBA was established by local voters in 1976 to provide public transportation to the cities of Centralia and Chehalis and began bus service in November, 1977. Each year Twin Transit records approximately 230,000 passengers utilizing the bus services to access employment, school, media, shopping and social services.
“We’re very grateful to the Energy Technology Board for supporting our project” says Twin Transit General Manager Rob LaFontaine. “We hope the electric bus project will be the start of a new chapter for Twin Transit that results in fuel savings and reduced carbon emissions; receiving financial assistance from the board toward implementation expenses is a wonderful sign of community support.”
Overview of the Funding Boards
Annual payments for the funding boards have been made for the past five years with the last payment due Dec. 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.
For more information on the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards visit: http://cctgrants.com
Media Inquiries:
Email: coaltransitionboards@transalta.com
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