Governor Chris Gregoire Visits Ellensburg, Discusses CWU’s Role in Renewable Energy

September 23, 2009

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Governor Chris Gregoire made a stop in Ellensburg Wednesday to discuss Kittitas County’s economic outlook and how the city, county and Central Washington University can make a difference by maintaining strong partnerships.

Several city and county officials, along with CWU and local business representatives attended the late-afternoon meeting held at Bower’s Field. Two main topics—renewable energy and CWU’s role in its future—were discussed at length. The economic contributions made to the county by the local hay industry were also addressed.

“We are increasing our research funding significantly,” CWU President Jim Gaudino told the governor.

By doing so, CWU can take a leading role in not only training the clean energy workforce of tomorrow, but also be an essential component to planning and building new facilities, such as wind and solar farms.

A partnership between CWU and the state Department of Ecology is in the discussion phase, Gaudino added, which could mean CWU will soon have a bigger role in the expansion of wind power.

“It’s important Central continue increasing its research component,” Gregoire said. In order for the state of Washington to continue its push toward being a pioneer in clean energy, “partnerships between the public and private sector are essential,” she said.

Kittitas County is one of the leading forces behind wind energy, and it may soon be home to the world’s largest solar farm, slated for construction in the upper portion of Kittitas County.

“CWU will be an important part of finding talent and workforce in Kittitas County,” said Anne Watanabe, president of the Economic Development Group of Kittitas County. “The university and renewable energy are the county’s two biggest advantages.”

Gaudino was pleased with the meeting’s outcome and said it was a good opportunity to remind the governor of Kittitas County’s economic drivers.

After the meeting, Gregoire toured CWU’s new department of aviation simulation training center. The facility, located at 807 Elmview Road, will celebrate its grand opening Oct. 22 from 4-5 p.m.

Gregoire took the Super King Air 200 pressurized twin turboprop aircraft simulator for a spin—the very same plane she often uses to travel throughout the Northwest.

“These new simulators are a great recruitment tool,” Gregoire said after trying out the simulator.

Media contact: Becky Watson, Public Relations and Marketing, 509-963-1117, bwatson@cwu.edu

Liz Bryson, Public Relations and Marketing, 509-963-2714, brysone@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of placebound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.