LCRA awards $10,897 grant for new AC/heating units at Lohn event center

Upgrades at Lohn Tabernacle will improve meeting conditions, lower energy costs

Nov. 1, 2023

Lower Colorado River Authority representatives present a $10,897 grant to the Lohn Tabernacle for new air conditioning and heating units. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Debbie Clifton, Lohn Valley Improvement Association past president; Steve Dyer, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter and Michael L. “Mike” Allen, LCRA Board members; Anne Burkett, association treasurer; Julie Walker-Popp, association past treasurer; Erminia Granado, association secretary; and Laura Helberg, association president.

McCULLOCH COUNTY, Texas – The Lohn Valley Improvement Association will purchase two new air conditioning and heating units for the Lohn Tabernacle community event center, thanks to a $10,897 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority. The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $2,725 in matching funds from the association, will replace two faltering HVAC systems and help create a more comfortable environment at the Tabernacle, a popular venue for community events. “Our current HVAC units are 30 years old,” said Debbie Clifton, association past president. “One unit went out and the other is barely limping along, leaving us not knowing how long it is going to hang in there.” The Lohn Tabernacle was built in 1929 and serves the communities of Lohn and Brady, as well as McCulloch County. The Tabernacle is used during elections and hosts a variety of events such as reunions, fundraisers, funeral meals, quilting group gatherings and baby showers. The Lohn Independent School District also uses the space for school-related activities. “As an association, our role is to maintain the Tabernacle and preserve the community we live in,” Clifton said. “The Tabernacle is part of our history, and we want it to be a comfortable place for the community.” The new energy-efficient HVAC units will also lower utility bills and maintenance costs for the association. “We are an all-volunteer organization, and we only take donations for use of the space,” Clifton said. “Without this grant, we would have had to use our entire savings to purchase the HVAC units. We greatly appreciate the LCRA and this grant!” The community grant is one of 45 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund capital improvement projects in LCRA’s wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves. Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. 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 fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.

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