State Department of Commerce awards over $2.2 million to local clean energy projects

The state Department of Commerce has awarded a combined total of over $2.2 million to seven  clean energy and grid resilience projects in Thurston and Lewis counties. 

The local investments are part of $60.4 million allocated between 96 awards announced by the Department of Commerce on Tuesday, May 19. 

The new awards are from several Commerce programs, including Clean Energy Grants, Clean Energy Siting and Permitting, Thermal Energy Networks, Clean Energy Technical Assistance, and the Washington Grid Resilience Program.

These awards are in addition to $16.8 million for tribal clean energy awards that the Department of Commerce announced in March. 

“These investments demonstrate Commerce’s commitment to moving projects quickly from concept to construction,” said Commerce Interim Director Sarah Clifthorne. “I’m excited we’re helping neighborhoods become more resilient and helping make clean energy more affordable”

Entities in Lewis and Thurston counties awarded funding are: 

• Centralia College: $347,200 through a Clean Energy Grant for the Centralia College Technology Building solar photovoltaic (PV) system.
• Episcopal Retirement Communities: $614,984 through a Clean Energy Grant for rooftop solar at a multifamily independent-living building for seniors.
• Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties: $1,025,492 through a Clean Energy Grant for a rooftop solar array at a low-income housing complex. 
• North Thurston Public Schools: $250,000 through a Clean Energy Grant for a solar array at the Lacey Education & Family (LEAF) Center. 
• Thurston County Public Transportation Benefit Area DBA Intercity Transit: A Technical Assistance award for a no-cost evaluation of solar PV and battery storage.  
• Pacific Harbors Council, Boy Scouts of America: A Technical Assistance award for a no-cost feasibility study to evaluate solar PV and battery storage opportunities

A full list of awardees is available at https://tinyurl.com/ye24fbad