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SERVING CURRY COUNTY SINCE 1946

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026

Brookings, Oregon

Draft Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap

Available for Public Review, Public Meetings Scheduled SALEM - The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) has released a draft of an Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap for public review. The public may comment from February 17 – April 3, 2026. DLCD is hosting a series of virtual and in-person meetings in February and March to provide information about the Roadmap draft and inviting community members to comment. The Roadmap will be completed by mid-2026 and submitted to the Oregon legislature as recommendations. DLCD was directed by House Bill 4080 (2024) to develop an Offshore Wind

Energy Roadmap on behalf of the state that defines standards to be considered in the processes related to offshore wind energy development and approval. The draft Roadmap defines standards around environmental protection, community interests, workforce development, economic opportunities, tribal and cultural resource protection, and the achievement of the state’s energy and climate goals. It also identifies actions and opportunities that could move the state responsibly along the path toward a future that includes offshore wind energy for Oregon. The Roadmap process is not a formal

rulemaking effort and will not directly create or change enforceable laws or policies. Instead, it will help guide future decisions, research, and investment related to offshore wind energy in Oregon. Even as federal priorities for offshore wind energy evolve, Oregon wants to be ready. The Roadmap will help the state: • Prepare for possible offshore wind energy development • Understand community priorities • Improve state policies and processes The draft Roadmap considers four alternative futures for Oregon and its coast— two include offshore wind turbines, and

two do not. The Roadmap deﬁnes four pathways to these two futures with different beneﬁts and tradeoffs. For the two futures that include wind energy development, there are “checkpoints” where a project would be reviewed to determine whether it should move forward, gather more information, or a different pathway should be chosen. The Roadmap outlines recommended standards and actions to support the interests of the state and coastal communities related to the different pathways. Public Comment Period Open Please see ENERGY Page 3

Chetco Community Public Library Launches “Beyond 250” Oral History

Project to Capture the Voice of Brookings-Harbor BROOKINGS, OR — What does freedom look like in a small coastal town? How has the deﬁnition of "community" changed over the decades in Brookings-Harbor? The Chetco Community Public Library is inviting residents to answer these questions and more as part of a

new landmark project, "Beyond 250: Living History in Brookings-Harbor." In collaboration with Curry Coast Community Radio and the Wild Rivers Film Festival, the library is embarking on a mission to record and archive the lived experiences of local residents.

The project seeks to connect national ideals of independence and belonging to the local stories that deﬁne our region. “Every resident has a unique perspective on how this community has shaped them, and how they’ve shaped the communi-

A California and Oregon (C&O) Lumber Company train stopped for a “photo op” on the railway bridge between Harbor and Brookings.

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ty,” says Kat Liddell, Assistant Director and project leader. “By recording these stories now, we are creating a digital time capsule that will allow future generations to understand who we were and who we want to become as we look toward the nation’s 250th anniversary and beyond.” How to Participate: The library is looking for both interviewees (storytellers) and volunteers (interviewers and editors). ● Storytellers: Anyone who lives or has lived in the Brookings-Harbor area is encouraged to share their story. Interviews take approximately 45–60 minutes and are conducted in a professional, comfortable setting at the library. ● Volunteers: Students and adults interested in local history, journalism, or audio/video production are encouraged to sign up. Training and equipment will be provided. Where the Stories Go: Recorded interviews will be professionally archived in a publicly accessible digital collection. Excerpts from the project will also be developed into community podcasts with Curry Coast Community Radio, to be released later in 2026. Sign Up Today: Members of the public interested in being interviewed or volunteering can visit the Chetco Community Public Library at 405 Alder Street in Brookings to pick up a registration form, or sign up online at: chetcolibrary.org/Beyond250.

City of Brookings Offering Matching Façade Improvement Grant Funds The City of Brookings, through the Urban Renewal Agency’s Façade Improvement Program, continues to offer up to $25,000 in matching grant funds for eligible facade improvement projects located within the Brookings Urban Renewal District. This program is part of the community’s overall effort to improve the appearance and business climate of downtown Brookings. Commercial property owners may be eligible to receive matching grant funds to help pay for improvements to their property. Some qualifying improvements include: • Rehabilitation of building facades • Exterior paint • Window awnings • Replacement of deteriorating siding • Masonry cleaning and cornice restoration • New signs • Pedestrian enhancement Applications are being accepted. Funding is for new projects only and may not be applied to work already completed. Completed applications will be considered on a ﬁrst come ﬁrst serve basis based on project need and funding availability. For more details and application packets, go the City of Brookings website: Facade-Improvement Packet or contact Public Works and Developmental Services at Brookings City Hall, 898 Elk Drive, 541-469-1138.

Phone Number: 707-460-8655 • Email: Circulation@CountryMedia.net

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