Toledo URA approves grant for railroad museum cupola repairs

The Toledo Urban Renewal Agency on June 3 approved a rehabilitation funding application from the Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society to repair the cupola on a historic caboose. Staff told the board the society’s application requests funds to remove rotten wood and update the cupola structure to prevent further decay; the agency noted the group last received URA funds in July 2024 and that disbursement could not occur until July, meaning the award would come from the next budget year.

The applicant, who was present at the meeting, described the cupola as a small raised room that houses the organization’s office and break area and said the roof has been leaking. The applicant said, “It’s the funny little hat on top of the caboose,” underscoring the feature’s role in tours and visitor access. A director moved to approve the application and the board voted by roll call to approve the motion 5–0. Staff said the project will begin with the cupola repairs to determine whether additional caboose work is needed.