LCRA and City of Brenham representatives present an $8,000 grant to the Washington County Chamber of Commerce for new air-conditioning units. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Kate Holman, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; John Durrenberger, Washington County judge; Amanda Stolz, chamber board chairperson; Lori A. Berger, LCRA Board member; Wende Ragonis, chamber president; and Kirk Hanath, Washington County commissioner.
BRENHAM, Texas – The Washington County Chamber of Commerce will install new air-conditioning units thanks to a grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Brenham, helping ensure the many community leaders and nonprofit organizations who meet there have a comfortable place to gather.
The $8,000 Community Development Partnership Program grant, combined with a matching contribution of $2,000, allows the chamber to replace two units that are more than 25 years old. When one unit failed in the past, the community room couldn’t be used until it was repaired, putting users of the meeting space in a bind.
Groups from Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill, Independence and other areas use the building for meetings. Additionally, leaders from government agencies use the space to work for their communities and meet with residents and businesses.
“This building fills a lot of needs,” said Amanda Stolz, Washington County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors chairperson. “It’s a neutral meeting site where members of government agencies are able to work side-by-side and connect with residents and businesses. We also have ribbon cuttings in the chamber board room for chamber members who do not have storefronts and wish to promote their businesses. Nonprofits are able to hold their meetings in the board room as well.”
The new A/C units also provide the chamber with more energy-efficient equipment, helping to ease the cost of cooling the meeting space.
The community grant is one of a number of grants recently awarded through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which provides economic development and community assistance grants to cities, counties, volunteer fire departments, regional development councils and other nonprofit organizations in LCRA’s wholesale electric and water service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves. The City of Brenham is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and a partner in the grant program.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted July 1-31, 2019. More information is available at
lcra.org/cdpp.
About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to enhancing the lives of Texans through water stewardship, energy and community services. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934. For more information, visit
lcra.org.
Media Contact
Clara Tuma
512–578–3292
clara.tuma@lcra.org
Source: LCRA Business News
