Energy Northwest begins construction on Highway 12 EV charging network

By Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

Construction is underway on a network of electric vehicle charging stations along the White Pass Scenic Byway on Highway 12.

The network will include eight new EV charging stations from Chehalis to White Pass Ski Area, each equipped with at least one Level 3 fast charger and one Level 2 charger.

All the stations are expected to be operational this year and will be listed for drivers to find on the PlugShare website and mobile application.

Energy Northwest is leading the EV infrastructure project.

The agency near Richland operates one of the largest clean energy generation portfolios in the region and has been expanding EV infrastructure throughout the state since 2016.

“Our goal is to help Washington state meet its carbon-reduction goals – both in the transportation sector and with the clean energy transformation – to benefit our members, regional customers and the public,” said Greg Cullen, Energy Northwest’s vice president for energy services and development, in a news release. “As the transportation sector evolves, having the infrastructure in place is vital for connecting communities across Washington.”

Resound Energy LLC of Bothell is the construction contractor.

JSA Civil LLC of Tumwater is the primary engineering firm on the project.

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The project is a collaboration among Energy Northwest, Lewis County Public Utility District and Twin Transit, with support from White Pass Scenic Byway organization, Benton REA and surrounding community members.

“Highway 12 is designated as an underserved corridor for EV drivers and it’s an integral route for travel across Washington, with stretches of rural areas through Lewis, Pierce and Yakima counties,” said Tanya Dion, Energy Northwest project developer. “We’ve had a great amount of interest and support from local communities to install this network of charging stations. This makes long distance EV driving possible through this beautiful part of our state.”

Each charging location on the White Pass Scenic Byway will have an interpretive sign highlighting nearby attractions and local information.

“We are excited to see this project come to fruition. We are pleased to be able to offer EV charging services to enable travelers with electric vehicles to now drive between eastern and western Washington via the White Pass Scenic Byway on Highway 12,” said Maree Lerchen, White Pass Scenic Byway Board president.

Energy Northwest secured two grants to fund the project – a $1.15 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Clean Energy Fund and about $667,000 from the TransAlta Coal Transition Fund.

Station locations are:

• White Pass: 48935 Highway 12, White Pass Ski Resort.

• Packwood: 13053 Highway 12, Tatoosh Market.

• Randle: 9802 Highway 12.

• Morton: 521 Adams Ave., Morton Medical Center.

• Elbe: 54106 Mountain Highway East, Mt. Rainier Railroad Dining.

• Mossyrock: 748 Williams St., Mossy Mini.

• Salkum: 2480 Highway 12, Salkum Library.

• Chehalis: 172 Highway 12 at I-5 Exit 68, Petro America.

March 16

Deadline: May 3 those two factors is really exacerbating the homelessness problem in these communities.”

“If one-bedroom units creep above $1,500 and two-bedroom units creep above $2,000 per month, that can quickly become a challenge for folks with limited incomes,” he said.

Grand opening

Catholic Charities Eastern Washington hopes to begin leasing units during the last week of March.

A grand opening is planned for April 14, details to be announced.

Residents are being selected based on their level of need using the local Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry program, which allows people to be assessed and considered for housing at Bishop Skylstad Commons through most local homeless service providers.

Those interested in applying for housing at Bishop Skylstad Commons should call 509-455-3034 or email housing@cceasternwa.org.

Hiring underway

At press time, Catholic Charities Eastern Washington was looking to hire care coordinators and certified peer support for Skylstad Commons.

Care coordinators work closely with each resident to develop a stabilization plan and connect residents with various service providers.

Certified peer support seeks those who have experienced homelessness, housing instability or other circumstances related to recovery.

“Folks with that kind of knowledge and expertise in their lives are a significant support in helping people navigate community systems and work through the challenges they might continue to face,” Keenan said.

Those interested to learn more can go to: cceasternwa.org/careers.