YAKIMA, Wash.- Governor Jay Inslee’s visit to the Yakima Valley highlighted new developments in the area regarding renewable energy, crime and housing.
The Governor started his day with a tour of three Toppenish homes, each which had freshly installed solar panels. The Garcia home’s new installation cuts their electricity bill to $0 through the work of the Climate Commitment Act.
“This is one of the first of what will be thousands of homes that we can help families reduce their electrical bills by getting solar panels and installation,” says Gov. Inslee.
The first homes to benefit from the Climate Commitment Act were all current or retired farmworkers. Gov. Inslee says the $970,000 pilot program will open up to everyone eventually.
“This is a program that’s going to be available to everybody,” says the governor. “Teachers, firefighters, truck drivers, nurses, you name it. It’s not just farmworkers because we have $1 billion available to be able to be able to help families do this.”
Gov. Inslee followed up with a trip to Zillah, touring the Yakima Valley Local Crime Lab. Selah Police Chief Dan Christman joined the politician into the facility that is used by agencies from across the valley to gather evidence and information on crimes.
“It’s very impressive,” said Gov. Inslee. “This is the only place I’m aware of in the state of Washington where this is done with the local communities, local police agencies have come together. It’s great to see that teamwork.”
The governor’s final stop in the valley was in downtown Yakima, at the Neighborhood Apartments. Formerly known as the Yakima Valley Inn, the motel is being converted into 58-dwelling units to serve as supportive housing.
Gov. Inslee says the trend of converting excess properties into residences is an increasing trend across the state that excites him.
“Starting with easily accessible shelter, moving up the chain, getting people back to work, getting their health fixed up, getting off of drugs, and repairing lives,” said Gov. Inslee. “That’s what we’re doing right here.”
