Dare County Tourism Board Awards $1.77 Million in Grants to Boost Local Projects and Tourism Impact

Published on December 11, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

On November 20, the Dare County Tourism Board awarded $1.77 million in Tourism Impact Grants (TIG) to support vital projects and services in the region. These grants aim to address the impact of tourism and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The grants were approved unanimously by the Dare County Commissioners in December. Since 1993, the Tourism Impact Grants have funded a wide range of community programs, from environmental sustainability efforts to cultural preservation projects. The latest funding will help enhance mobility, preserve heritage, and support infrastructure development in Dare County.

As the summer holidays approach, the funding of $1.77 million will be used for essential projects, including multi-use paths, beach access enhancements, and cultural restoration efforts. This new round of funding highlights the continued importance of tourism in supporting local economies and community improvements. It also underscores the ongoing commitment of the Dare County Tourism Board to reinvest in the community by supporting initiatives that will benefit both residents and tourists alike. With these significant investments, Dare County is taking steps to ensure its legacy as a top tourist destination while improving the quality of life for its citizens.

Dare County Tourism Board’s Continued Support for Local Projects

The Tourism Impact Grants have been an essential tool for supporting community development in Dare County for over two decades. This year, the $1.77 million in grants will go to 12 local nonprofit organisations and Dare governmental entities. These grants will fund a diverse range of projects, each aimed at making a long-term positive impact on both the environment and local culture. Since the programme began, the Dare County Tourism Board has awarded 233 grants totalling $21.31 million. These funds have supported projects that directly benefit the community, such as enhancing public access to nature, preserving historical landmarks, and improving infrastructure.

The Dare County Tourism Board has a long history of funding projects that enhance the visitor experience, improve public spaces, and ensure that tourism can be a sustainable economic driver. This new funding is crucial for maintaining the balance between growth and preservation, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same cultural, historical, and natural treasures that make Dare County a sought-after destination. As Lee Nettles, Executive Director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, states, “Tourism should strengthen the place it touches, and our Tourism Impact Grants do just that.”

Key Projects Funded by the 2025-2026 Tourism Impact Grants

The projects funded by the $1.77 million grant will have a wide-ranging impact on Dare County’s infrastructure and cultural preservation efforts. For example, the Avon Property Owners Association will receive $27,750 to replace three public access boardwalks along Dolphin Lane, Due East Road, and Dune Way in Avon. These boardwalks are vital for maintaining public access to the beach, making it easier for tourists and locals to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Another project that will benefit the community is the restoration of the Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters, which suffered fire damage. Outer Banks Forever will receive $150,000 for this restoration, which will allow the National Park Service to reopen the Visitors Center and offer more educational experiences to visitors.

These projects reflect the Dare County Tourism Board’s focus on both preserving the region’s cultural heritage and improving mobility and access for residents and visitors. Additionally, the Community Care Clinic of Dare County will receive $100,000 to expand its facilities, adding a fourth treatment room to the dental clinic and establishing a mental health counselling room. This will enhance the quality of healthcare available to the local population, making it easier for residents to access essential services.

Improving Mobility and Pedestrian Safety with New Pathways

One of the primary focuses of the Tourism Impact Grants is to improve mobility and ensure pedestrian safety, especially in areas with high foot traffic from both residents and tourists. The Town of Kill Devil Hills will receive $208,739.20 to construct a new sidewalk along West First Street, creating vital connections to existing pathways and enhancing pedestrian safety. This new infrastructure will allow residents and visitors to walk safely to local amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. Similarly, the Town of Nags Head has been awarded $750,000 for a new multi-use path along U.S. 158, which will connect key locations such as Carolista Drive and W Soundside Road. This path will offer pedestrians and cyclists a safer way to navigate the area, while also providing direct access to Jockey’s Ridge State Park, one of the area’s top attractions.

Additionally, the Outer Banks Conservationists will use a grant of $10,930 to improve the crosswalk near Island Farm. This project will install lights and signage to facilitate safer pedestrian crossings, helping visitors navigate the area with ease. These investments reflect the Dare County Tourism Board’s commitment to creating a safer, more accessible environment for everyone.

Honoring Local Heritage and History with Memorial Projects

As part of its ongoing efforts to preserve local heritage, the Dare County Tourism Board is funding several projects that recognise the rich history of the Outer Banks. One of the most exciting projects is the construction of a memorial in Kitty Hawk, which will honour the history of the U.S. Lifesaving Service, Weather Service, and the Army Signal Corps. The Town of Kitty Hawk will receive $49,434 for this project, which will provide a lasting tribute to these vital services that helped shape the region’s history.

In addition, the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island will use a $30,000 grant to construct custom cabinetry for the Richard Etheridge Collection of paintings by James Melvin. This collection, which highlights the story of the Pea Island Lifesavers, will be displayed at the aquarium, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the region’s maritime history. These projects demonstrate the Dare County Tourism Board’s dedication to preserving the area’s history while also providing visitors with meaningful experiences that connect them to the past.

The Long-Term Impact of the Tourism Impact Grants

The Tourism Impact Grants have always been an essential part of supporting sustainable tourism in Dare County. Since their inception in 1993, these grants have helped improve infrastructure, enhance cultural and historical preservation, and create a more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors. The $1.77 million awarded this year will continue this legacy by funding projects that benefit the local community while enhancing the visitor experience. These investments will not only support the tourism industry but also ensure that the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Dare County are preserved for future generations.

As the tourism sector continues to thrive, it’s clear that the Dare County Tourism Board is committed to reinvesting in the community to maintain a healthy balance between tourism growth and local well-being. By funding projects that support mobility, heritage, and sustainability, the board is helping ensure that Dare County remains a vibrant and attractive destination for years to come.