The details
The restoration of the Bastrop County Courthouse, built in 1883, would cost approximately $20.4 million, according to a master plan that Bastrop County officials prepared in April 2022.
Some background
The 89th Texas Legislature allocated $100 million for the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program for the 2026-27 biennium.
As of 2025, the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program—established in 1999—has funded the restorations of 81 courthouses, while 26 courthouses have received emergency or planning grants, according to a Texas Historical Commission application guide.
“These restored county courthouses serve as a catalyst to economic revitalization in the business districts that surround courthouse squares throughout the state,” the application guide states.
The Texas Historical Commission listed other benefits of a restored courthouse, including:
- Improved building accessibility and usability
- Easier building maintenance
- Increased safety and energy efficiency
- Downtown revitalization
- Expanded local tourism
The Texas Historical Commission is scheduled to announce grant winners in July 2026.
