Centralia Coal Transition Grants Weatherization Board Support the NW Sports Hub Lighting Project
October 22, 2020
The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Weatherization Board is pleased to announce it has approved a grant in the amount of $41,543.00 to support an energy efficiency project that will upgrade the lighting system at the NW Sports Hub facilities. The project will create energy savings, improve lighting levels and reduce maintenance costs for the facility.
The NW Sports Hub is a partnership between the Lewis County Public Facility District, City of Centralia, Centralia School District, and the Northwest Sports Hub, LLC and was established with the goal of bringing economic revitalization to this region of Washington State. The 75,000 clear-span facility was completed in 2014 and is the host to year-round sporting tournaments for youth and adults as well as an event center for the local community.
The Weatherization 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.