LCRA awards $15,856 grant for renovations to Louise rice mill
Nonprofit Louise Beautification will help transform local landmark into a vibrant community gathering space
Nov. 21, 2025
WHARTON COUNTY, Texas – The historic Louise rice mill soon will get a new roof that will help make it available to host community events year-round, thanks to a $15,856 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The community grant to the nonprofit Louise Beautification, along with $3,964 in matching funds from the Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce, the parent company of the beautification organization, will pay for materials and professional installation of a new metal roof on the historic structure, located at 588 South St. in the Louise community. The building now is out of commission during inclement weather because of its deteriorating roof, but the new, upgraded roof will protect the building from leaks and structural damage and enable it to host community gatherings and celebrations in all kinds of weather.
“The old roof on our building was beginning to sag and was losing shingles regularly,” said Liz Lovejoy, president of Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce. “Due to its deteriorated state, the roof leaked tremendously, leading to cleanup and a need for drying out after every rain. The new roof will allow the building to be used and enjoyed more regularly during inclement weather.”
Once a major employer and the heart of the community, the Louise rice mill stood vacant for years before local volunteers began restoring the site in 2017. Led by Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce and Louise Beautification, community members have donated time, labor and funds to turn the former industrial landmark into a safe and welcoming gathering space for residents.
“We are all volunteers in the organization and rely solely on donations for upkeep and repairs,” Lovejoy said. “These funds are a huge boost in our effort to beautify Louise, where we always have plenty of clean country air to share.”
This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA’s effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.
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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