The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved the allocation of $767,861 in lodging tax funds to support the growth of the local tourism economy last month. 

Among the highlights: Port Townsend has $50,000 in LTAC funds to allocate in 2025 and will accept funding proposals from Jan. 27 through Feb. 24. Two of the allocations, totaling $250,000, are slated for projects centered near the intersection of State Routes 20 and 104. And $20,000 will go toward the creation of a public facilities district, laying the framework for funding of a new pool. 

The county received $1.3 million in requests for funding for the $900,000 available for the year, according to the county.  The funds are generated by a 4% sales tax on overnight stays at various lodging accommodations, paid by customers. The funds are then allocated to nonprofits and government agencies promoting tourism within the county.

To receive funding, interested parties must go through a request-for-proposal process, with recommendations made by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to the Jefferson County commissioners.

Here are the county approved allocations:

The Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center received $140,500 for marketing, payroll, administrative expenses and utilities. 

The Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission received $109,500 for marketing and support for its tourism master plan. 

The Quilcene Historical Museum received $91,500 for promotion, website design and maintenance, events, lawn services and operations at Worthington Park. 

The Jefferson County Historical Society received $84,550 to partially fund the salary of a program manager and marketing director.  

The Forks Chamber of Commerce received $61,297 for marketing visitor center staffing in Forks and Kalaloch and the distribution of adventure maps. 

Jefferson County Parks and Recreation received $50,000 for utilities, its website, staff costs, and facility improvements to the Lake Leland, Quilcene and the Upper and Lower Oak Bay Campgrounds. 

The North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce received $50,000 for wages, advertising, website development, utilities and administrative expenses. 

The Wooden Boat Foundation received $45,000 for promotion, advertising and transportation between nearby parking and the event. 

The Peninsula Trails Coalition received $35,700 for revegetation, fencing work, safety features, maintenance equipment rentals, portable restrooms and a new weed whacker. 

Quimper Events Collective received $28,500 for promotion and expenses related to the Jefferson County Wedding Expo. 

Jefferson County Farmers Markets received $24,214 for advertising, video production, kids’ activities, live event music, a Chimacum Farmers Market site manager, a market administrator and payroll taxes. 

Public Facilities District Seed Funding received $20,000 to establish a public facilities district for a new aquatic facility in the county. 

The Olympic Peninsula Culinary Loop Tourism Association received $17,100 for marketing and the promotion of culinary tourism. 

The Quilcene Fair and Parade Association received $10,000 for event support, promotion, entertainment, and rentals.