Karnes County – again – was not on the list of counties awarded state grants for courthouse restoration.

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) announced Round V grant recipients of its Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program on Jan. 25, and although this was Karnes County’s third time to apply for grant funding, THC chose not to award a grant for the restoration of the Karnes County courthouse.

Karnes County Judge Alger Kendall, Jr. expressed disappointment in the commission’s decision, but he said he understands that with only $56 million to award and more than $200 million in grant applications, the commission has to be selective. He expressed optimism that with each application, the chances of being awarded a future grant will improve.

Karnes County was awarded a smaller THC grant in 2004 in the amount of $100,000 for structural study and repairs.