Oregon's Tillamook Coast Funds Major Upgrades, New Facilities, Including Lighthouse Fix

Published 02/08/26 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Tillamook, Oregon) – Parts of the north Oregon coast are getting a new infusion of funds to assist tourism in the region, as well as make another set of pleasantries for residents.

The Tillamook Coast Visitors Association, in partnership with Tillamook County, just recently awarded $453,425 in Tourism Facilities Grants for the 2025–26 fiscal year, supporting community-driven projects that improve public spaces, accessibility, outdoor recreation, and visitor infrastructure throughout Tillamook County.

The annual facilities grant program reinvests visitor-generated lodging tax dollars directly back into local communities. Community reinvestment in the tourism industry means directing revenue generated by visitors (Transient Lodging Taxes, or hotel and motel taxes) into projects that strengthen the destination for residents first. These investments help fund critical infrastructure, preserve natural and cultural resources, improve accessibility, and ensure tourism contributes to long-term community wellbeing.

“Tourism works best when it supports the places people call home,” said Dan Haag, interim executive director. “By reinvesting lodging tax dollars into community facilities and infrastructure, we’re ensuring tourism strengthens quality of life for residents while creating meaningful, sustainable experiences for visitors.”

2025-26 TCVA Facilities Grant Recipients

Lake Lytle / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

A total of $453,425 was awarded for tourism-related facilities improvements across Tillamook County:

City of Rockaway Beach – Lake Lytle restroom – $50,000
Tillamook Estuaries Partnership – Estuaries Science Center – $50,000
Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse – Fresnel Lens restoration – $50,000
Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad – Completion of water tower – $50,000
Oceanside Action Partnership – Tire Trail rebuild – $13,400
City of Wheeler – Dock and pathway accessibility improvements – $46,780
Oceanside Action Partnership – Shared use path project – $35,000
Tillamook Off-Road Alliance – Buzzard Butte Trail Network – $50,000
Netarts-Oceanside Volunteer Firefighters Association – Emergency preparedness Conex boxes – $35,000
Dorymen’s Heritage Center – 100-year land lease plan – $50,000
Kiawanda Community Center – Entryway improvements – $17,845
North Tillamook Library Friends – Energy-efficient lighting replacement – $5,400

Since 2015, TCVA and Tillamook County have reinvested more than $6 million in tourism facilities grants, in addition to more than $1.2 million in tourism marketing grants, supporting projects that improve access, protect natural resources, and enhance community spaces across the county.

More information about the Tourism Facilities Grant program, including eligibility and past recipients, is available at www.tillamookcoast.com/grants.

Hotels in Manzanita, Wheeler - Where to eat - Manzanita, Wheeler Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Rockaway Beach - Where to eat - Rockaway Beach Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Tillamook Bay - Where to eat - Tillamook Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Three Capes - Where to eat - Three Capes Maps and Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Manzanita Hotel Review: Oregon Coast Inn Gets New Life as Forest Getaway, Ne...
Nehalem River Inn is nearly 100 years old. Nehalem Hotel Review

Yachats' Adobe Resort: Legacy Oregon Coast Biz, Once a Motel, Shifts Again wi...
Started in the 1950s, now a big name gets bigger. Yachats lodging reviews

winter 2026: Giving the Oregon Coast Online
New ways to give the gift of a night at the beach or fun gear. Rockaway Beach hotel reviews, Lincoln City hotel reviews, Manzanita hotel reviews, Cannon Beach hotel reviews, Pacific City hotel specials, Pacific City hotel reviews, Newport lodging deals, Newport hotel reviews

Exquisite Spring Break Hangouts on Oregon Coast with New Discoveries
The wows of Lincoln City and Cannon Beach, including the beginning of a ghost forest. Lincoln City hotel reviews, Cannon Beach hotel reviews, specials, Seaside hotel reviews

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted