TransAlta Coal Transition Board Supports The Onalaska High School Aquaculture Program with a second grant
In August 2018 the Centralia Coal Transition Grants Economic & Community Development Board (“ECD Board”) approved a grant in the amount of $23,500 to the Onalaska School District to support their unique Aquaculture Program. This program provides an opportunity for students to raise, rear and release Steelhead, Coho Salmon, and Rainbow Trout into the Newaukum River Basin and the Carlisle Lake. After hearing about the success of the program, the ECD Board approved a second grant in the amount of $41,500 for equipment to enhance their efforts. A power generator will provide back-up for 10 days and with the installation of an underwater camera there is an opportunity to view the tanks live. On average the hatcheries hold 37,000 fish per year.
Their work along with the partnerships they have established with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Chehalis Basin Fisheries Task Force, and the Chehalis Tribe provides not only an educational experience, but a community opportunity for youth fishing events.
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.