Wash. Dept. of Commerce awards $388K to convert prison to renewable energy

The project is the first of its kind among state facilities in Washington, officials said

By ClarkCountyToday.com

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced a $388,000 award to the Washington State Department of Corrections through the Wood Energy for Public Facilities program, part of Washington state’s Clean Energy Fund (CEF). It’s the first CEF project aimed at converting a state facility to renewable wood biomass fuel. Funding will be used to install a modern, efficient wood energy system at the Larch Corrections Center near Yacolt in eastern Clark County to offset the use of fuel oil for area heating and hot water.

“This project is the first of its kind among state facilities in Washington,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “Supporting the use of renewable wood biomass sources reduces greenhouse gas emissions while supporting jobs that strengthen rural timber communities.”

“We here at the Department of Corrections are very grateful to Lisa Brown and the Department of Commerce for these funds,” said Corrections Secretary Cheryl Strange. “This project brings us closer to a Washington that works on clean energy and a future free from products that harm our environment.”

FULL STORY: Department of Commerce awards $388,000 to help convert Larch Corrections Center from oil to renewable wood energy