CLARENDON, Texas (KFDA) – The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has awarded Donley County $2.3 million to restore its 1890 courthouse.

Among the nine counties in the state of Texas, Donley County was selected for an emergency grant to address critical issues threatening the courthouse.

The Donley County Judge was unable to comment on the grant due to personal reasons. However, the county will hold a meeting on August 12 to discuss the grant.

Susan Tietz, THC’s court program coordinator, highlighted what some of the improvements would include.

“A brick wall on the south side of the building needs to be stabilized, so it needs to be demolished and then rebuilt. The grant application also included repairing some hand-bent sandstone elements on the building,” Tietz said.

The county would need to raise $2.3 million to complete the $4.6 million project. The county has been setting aside money for this work for several years and has $820,000 available.

Judge John Howard said the commission may consider cutting the project and looking into whether the state will cover the $820,000.

Judge Howard said the county appreciates the THC grant and the state’s recognition of the importance of the local courthouse, but added that commissioners must do what is in the best interest of the county.

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