The Coupeville Town Council awarded four Central Whidbey organizations grants from the town’s 2% lodging tax funds during a recent meeting.

Lodging tax grants must be spent on projects related to tourism on Central Whidbey. In 2021, the town received over $30,000 in lodging taxes, on top of around $64,000 that accumulated in the fund during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All four organizations that applied for grants were funded for at least the full amount requested.

The Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association was awarded $8,000 for Musselfest 2023 marketing, the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce was given $26,000 for visitor center operations, the WhidbeyHealth Foundation received $5,000 for the 2023 Tour de Whidbey, and the Island County Historical Museum got $10,000 — nearly double what it applied for — for operation costs.

In total, the council awarded $49,000 in 2% grants. Council members approved the awards unanimously. The town will retain some funds for its own tourism-related activities.