2026 July Economic Report

The Economic Alliance of Lewis County is developing a Regional Biomass Technology and Innovation Hub within the established Biofuel Development Opportunity (BDO) Zone to accelerate deployment of distributed biomass-to-energy and carbon-based manufacturing systems across Southwest Washington, according to Alliance Executive Director Todd Chaput.

“The BDO zone was established in 2022 and is the one and only “AA” rating in the state of Washington.

Southwest Washington is at a pivotal moment in the transition to a resilient clean-energy and carbon-managed economy,” Chaput stated. “The region possesses abundant forest residuals, agricultural byproducts, and underutilized woody biomass resources, yet lacks the coordinated infrastructure necessary to convert these materials into renewable energy, carbon-negative products, and advanced bio-based manufacturing inputs.”

Central to this initiative is the establishment of a Director of Regional Bioenergy Development & Innovation position responsible for coordinating multi-county implementation, advancing commercialization pathways, supporting public/private partnerships, and ensuring long-term sustainability of the innovation cluster.

This position was funded by a TransAlta grant to continue to market the abundant biomass in Lewis County.

The Hub will transform abundant regional biomass resources into scalable clean energy, carbon-based materials, and advanced bioproducts through deployment of modular conversion technologies, digital monitoring systems, and innovation-driven cluster development.

Serving as a center for applied research, pilot deployment, workforce training, and commercialization, the Hub will enable rapid advancement of biomass-to-energy and biomass-to-material pathways while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening economic opportunity in rural and overburdened communities.

Chaput continued, “through coordinated regional collaboration across Western Washington, the initiative will position the region as a national leader in distributed biomass innovation and rural clean-technology deployment.”

The Hub partnership establishes the regional coordination and commercialization leadership capacity necessary to unlock large-scale biomass deployment, carbon-negative manufacturing gro\vth, and future infrastructure investment across Southwest Washington’s Biofuel Development Opportunity Zone.

A letter to University of Washington President Robert Jones

Dear President Jones:

We understand that one of your priorities for the University of Washington is community engagement. We endorse this as a priority and want to inform you how this is already working in Lewis County, part of both the 19th and 20th Legislative Districts.

In previous years our district had strong financial footings in agriculture, mining, and a large coal-fired power plant. These are now largely gone; but fortunately, the TransAlta power plant has just been slated to be restarted, replacing coal with natural gas. Our district’s largest asset, however, is our forests, and this is where the connection with UW has been so vital.

We have been working with Profs. Gustafson and Bura in the School of Environmental and Forest Resources since 2019 on various projects to reinvigorate the forest products industry in our district. These have included development of new forest products such as nanocellulose and, importantly, obtaining a favorable Biofuel Development Opportunity Zone (BDO Zone) rating.

This partnership has provided our community not only with technical expertise, but with a credible academic partner helping local leaders evaluate long-term economic opportunities.

At the behest and assistance from the UW, we applied for and received a BDO Zone rating. In fact, we received an AA rating – the highest ever given to a forest products based community.

Since we received the AA rating, our Economic Alliance of Lewis County (EDC) office has been persistently contacted by companies interested in siting forest products industries in our district.

The resulting interest has helped elevate Lewis County’s profile as a serious destination for innovative forest products investment.

With the TransAlta power plant coming back online, our vision is for more bio-based industries coming to Lewis County to take advantage of our biomass resources and the low-cost energy and waste heat generated by the power plant. In fact, one of the concepts the UW promoted in 2020 was development of a “Bio-hub” (multiple synergistic bio-based industries located at the TransAlta site). Our EDC is now poised to pursue this vision. None of this would have happened without our close connection with the University of Washington.

We want to thank you for the support our community has received from the college previously, and we support your ongoing community engagement priority. Partnerships such as thisdemonstrate the tangible value your research institution can bring to rural communities seeking economic revitalization and sustainable growth. We look forward to working with the University of Washington in bringing new bio-based industries to Lewis County.

Regards,

Senator John Braun
Senate Republican Leader
20th Legislative District

Rep. Peter Abbarno
20th Legislative District

Rep. Ed Orcutt
20th Legislative District

Senator Jeff Wilson
19th Legislative District

Rep. Jim Walsh
19th Legislative District

Rep. Joel McEntire
19th Legislative District

Statement from Port of Centralia Commission on July 22 regarding large-scale industrial development

The Port of Centralia appreciates the Centralia City Council’s decision to approve our proposal and lift the moratorium on large-scale industrial development.

This action marks an important step forward for Centralia’s economic future and reflects the strong partnership that has been rebuilt between the Port, the city, and Lewis County. The Council’s vote affirms a shared commitment to responsible growth, job creation, and long-term investment in our community.

By allowing modern distribution and manufacturing facilities to move forward, Centralia is positioning itself to attract employers that bring family-wage jobs, expand the tax base, and strengthen the financial foundation of our schools, fire services, and public infrastructure.

We are grateful for the hard work of city staff, county staff, and Port staff throughout this process. The collaborative approach taken over the past several months demonstrates what is possible when local governments work together with transparency, professionalism, and a focus on community benefit.

The Port of Centralia remains committed to developing high-quality industrial parks, protecting surrounding neighborhoods, and ensuring that future projects align with the city’s zoning, the Port’s Master Plan, and the long-term vision for Centralia.

We look forward to continuing this partnership as we move into the next phase of development and investment. On behalf of the Port Commission, thank you to the Centralia City Council for your leadership and support.

Peter Lahmann and Ally Pickard
Commissioners
Port of Centralia

Cooks Hill Courts & Pickleball Training Facility, which just opened, is Lewis County’s first dedicated pickleball facility, featuring four indoor/outdoor covered, lighted acrylic courts with permanent lines and nets, and operates under the Cooks Hill Community Church ministry.

Cooks Hill Courts is designed with all weather play in mind, with lighting for early morning and evening play. A Pro Shop onsite for paddles, training tools, club information, plus bathrooms and refreshments are also onsite.

Cooks Hill Courts offers the only covered, dedicated pickleball courts in the county. Dedicated courts are on a traditional pickleball surface (tennis surface) with no boundary lines other than pickleball. Vision, line calls, and player experience are all enhanced when the boundary lines of other sports are not sharing the space.

Cooks Hill Courts is a community facility, meaning court access is mainly offered as open play, leagues, tournaments, group instruction and other formats that support maximum participation (6-8 players per court). Private lessons and small group reservations may be available during specified hours or on a case-by-case basis, however ongoing opportunity to reserve private courts is not included or expected with membership.

Memberships are month-to-month with two tiers available (gold and silver), each with respective benefits like discounted/free events and exclusive early registration. Guests pay a drop-in fee for open play and full price for leagues, tournaments, and other events.

Open play sessions are offered multiple times per day with registration windows first offered to gold (7 days), then silver (5 days), then guests (3 days).

Open play sessions are usually capped at either 28 players or 32 players (7-8 players per court avg). Free open play for gold members is unlimited, silver members receive 2 open plays per week and pay $5 for each session beyond the 2 free weekly sessions.

Competitive play and programming

Structured, high-level competition for players who want to test their skills and play with purpose. This option of the Cooks Hill Courts includes skill-based leagues, leveled tournaments, open play, ladder options and more to ensure fair, challenging matches.

Skill development and learning

Ongoing opportunities to learn and improve at every stage. From beginner leagues to drill clinics, players of all levels have opportunities to improve their skills and confidently improve their player rating.

Community and culture

A welcoming environment where friendships form as naturally as the rallies do. This includes daily organized open play sessions, pop-darts, corn hole and other activities for building community, and a culture built on respect, encouragement, and love of the game, on and off the court.

About:

Location: 2400 Cooks Hill Road, Centralia

Contact: 360-736-6133 or email [email protected]

Court setup: four dedicated acrylic courts with permanent lines and nets, covered and lighted for year-round play.

Offerings: Open play sessions, competitive leagues, tournaments, and group drill clinics.

Access and booking: Uses the OpenCourt app for scheduling, calendar viewing, membership sign-ups, and pay-to-play event registration.

Memberships: Monthly options are available, including a Gold Membership that covers open play and leagues, alongside standard pay-to-play fees for non-members.

Leadership: Headed by Director Curtis Medved, a certified Professional Pickleball Registry teaching professional.

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Saturday6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday — 2 to 8 p.m.

DiscoverLewisCounty.com

Discoverlewiscounty.com is supported by the Economic Alliance of Lewis County

Pickersfest returns to Centralia for a weekend of music, community and camping

July 31 through Aug. 2, 2026

Centralia

The Washington Acoustic Music Association (WAMA) is proud to announce the return of Pickersfest 2026, taking place July 31 through Aug. 2, in Centralia at the Oakview Grange. This beloved annual festival celebrates acoustic music traditions with a vibrant weekend of live performances, workshops, jam sessions, and community connection.

Pickersfest is known for its welcoming atmosphere, where musicians of all skill levels and genres come together to “pick and grin.” In addition to scheduled performances, attendees can enjoy open mics, instructional workshops, and spontaneous jam sessions throughout the festival grounds.

Featured performers include:

Jim Lauderdale • Jimmy Ritchey

Rio Con Brio • Chris Guenther

Dear Crow • The Cowchips

Eel Sallad

The festival officially kicks off on Friday, July 31, though attendees are invited to arrive early. Camping and informal jamming begin on Thursday, with camping available through Sunday at 1 p.m. More information is available at wamapickersfest.org.

“Pickersfest is more than just a music festival — it’s a community gathering built around shared passion for acoustic music,” said organizers with WAMA. “Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just love great live music, there’s something here for everyone.”

The WAMA Pickersfest is organized by volunteers and reflects the mission of WAMA to promote, preserve, and celebrate acoustic music across Washington state. For full event details, including schedules, tickets, camping information, and artist updates, attendees are encouraged to visit the official Pickersfest website.

Mossyrock Blueberry Festival

July 31 through Aug. 1

The Mossyrock Blueberry Festival is a delightful annual event that takes place in the picturesque town of Mossyrock. This festival celebrates the abundance of blueberries in the region and invites visitors to enjoy a weekend filled with blueberry-themed activities and treats.

Attendees can explore vendor booths and, of course find local, juicy blueberries. It’s an opportunity to purchase fresh blueberries straight from the source and experience the farm-to-table goodness. In addition, the festival offers a range of exciting activities, including a live fish pond, live music, blueberry brawl, and obstacle course.

Find more information at: https://mossyrockfestivals.org

Morton Loggers’ Jubilee

Aug. 6-9

The “Granddaddy of all Logging Shows,” the Morton Loggers Jubilee is an annual celebration that pays tribute to the rich logging heritage in East Lewis County. Held over multiple days, this lively festival brings together loggers, their families, and folks from all over to honor the hard work and craftsmanship of those in the logging industry.

During the Morton Loggers Jubilee, attendees can experience a wide range of logging-themed activities and entertainment. One of the highlights is the logging competitions, where skilled loggers showcase their talents in various disciplines such as axe throwing, log rolling, and chainsaw carving. These exciting competitions demonstrate the skill, strength, and precision required in the logging profession.

The festival also features a grand parade that showcases elaborate floats, vintage logging equipment, and marching bands, adding to the festive atmosphere. Lawnmower races and bed races are always a fan favorite. Visitors can explore vendor booths offering local crafts, food vendors serving up delicious treats, and live music performances that create a vibrant ambiance.

Find more information at: www.loggersjubilee.com