PORT ANGELES — The Clallam County commissioners are supporting a grant application that will be submitted by the Composite Recycling Technology Center.
Commissioners approved a letter on Tuesday from the CRTC to the state Department of Commerce in support of a Clean Energy Fund 6 grant request titled “Combine timber with innovative technology to create energy resilience and independence in highly durable and affordable housing.”
The CRTC is applying for a $5 million grant, county Housing and Grant Resource Director Timothy Dalton told commissioners during their Monday work session.
“The grant will be used to construct two model structures at the CRTC center,” Dalton said. “One will be a net-zero demonstration home for residential application. The other structure would be a rec structure for emergency shelter utilizing the CRTC’s military barracks technology.”
Both projects will use the Makah Tribe’s Western hemlock, he said.
“CRTC has worked with the Makah Tribe to design and construct a sawmill over the past year in order to increase the value of their sustainably grown timber and provide a secure supply chain of milled Coastal Western hemlock,” the letter states. “The CRTC’s Advanced Cross Laminated Timber (ACLT) Panel system utilizes thermally modified Western hemlock for added dimensional stability and longevity and can integrate composites where needed for extra strength and protection.”
ACLT homes are highly stable, the letter states, and create and retain tight, exceptionally durable building envelopes which is “one of the best platforms available for achieving net-zero or passive house standards.”
Using the ACLT panel system will allow for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs) to be built quickly along with emergency shelters. These buildings also can be disassembled and flat-packed for storage if necessary, according to the letter.
“The need for affordable housing in our state is significant and is one of the major challenges to financial and social stability for lower-income Washingtonians,” the letter states.
“The ACLT technology will help to lessen the significant shortfall in affordable housing and will positively contribute to Olympic Peninsula jobs while driving long-term benefits to our state.”
Commissioner Mike French on Monday said the project is a great partnership between the CRTC and the Makah Tribe to move up the value chain for local timber and forest products.
Also approved in the consent agenda Tuesday were the recommendations for funding the Clallam County Health and Human Services Developmental Disabilities department provided to the commissioners during a work session on Oct. 20.
The department has $400,000, which will be distributed among several projects which support individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities.
________
Reporter Emily Hanson can be reached by email at emily.hanson@peninsuladailynews.com.
