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.

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