The Spokane Valley City Council on Jan. 7 agreed to pursue a Washington State Commerce Clean Buildings Performance grant to replace obsolete chillers at CenterPlace.

Gloria Manns, the city services administrator, told the council Commerce released a new Clean Buildings Performance grant opportunity in December with approximately $15 million available for local agencies and a maximum award of $2 million. Applications are due at the end of January and award recipients must expend funds by the end of June. Manns recommended applying for a grant to replace CenterPlace chillers, which she said are more than 20 years old and use refrigerant that is no longer supported. She provided a concept estimate of about $500,000 and said no local match is required.

Council members asked about staff time required to prepare the application; Council Member Marco asked and Manns said staff has already been working on the materials and the application would not be lengthy. Council Member Merkle said he would support the application because it requires no match and preserves city funds for other priorities. The council signaled consensus to apply and staff said it would return with an application and any required documentation.