JAIL MUSEUM WORK DELAYED IN AUSTIN COUNTY

  

Much-needed repairs to the Austin County Jail Museum in Bellville will likely have to wait another year.

The museum’s board requested a matching fund grant from the county, so they can apply for a grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The county and museum board were anticipating the repairs and installation of a new air conditioner sometime this year, but the lack of mechanical drawings and the cost of $25,000 led to the museum backing out of the grant process,

The board says they will try again next year.

Museum board member, Milton Beckendorff says another snag came when they learned the Texas Historical Commission required the drawings which don’t exist.

He also said an LCRA grant of $25,000 requires at least a 20% match and the more money matched, the better the chances of getting the grant.

Commissioners approved providing $10,000 in matching funds.