WASHINGTON (Map, News) - The Lincoln Theatre is expected to receive a cash infusion from the District to stave off impending closure, but D.C. officials are losing interest in boosting the historic facility with short-term funding.

The District-owned but foundation-operated U Street institution is on its last legs, having not received a $500,000 government grant it expected for 2007. But Neil Albert, deputy mayor for planning and economic development, said the city is nearing a deal for a $200,000 emergency appropriation. The number, he said, still has to be finalized.

“We can’t keep coming back with stop-gap funding every month or every year,” Albert said.

The theater, at 1215 U St. NW, has an assessed value of more than $8.4 million, and includes a surface parking lot in the back that “might be developable,” Albert said. The next step is to meet with the Lincoln Theatre board and brainstorm a long term cash source.

“We have to establish a revenue stream for the theater,” Albert said. “And we don’t know where that comes from right now.”

Ward 1 D.C. Council Member Jim Graham, who sits on the theater’s board, said the $200,000 is helpful but not enough. The Lincoln has received $250,000 each of the past six years.

“Yes, we’re grateful,” Graham said. “But that’s something that we’ve had all along, and it’s not even the full $250,000. More than that is going to be necessary.”

Richard Lee, president of the Lincoln Theatre board, said the facility needs the $500,000 “that was promised to us by Mayor Williams’ administration.” The $200,000, he said, is a “Band-Aid” that would “keep us around for awhile and might help us get grants from other places.”

The theater, Lee said, loses money subsidizing community programs, which add up to about 50 nights annually. Local organizations can rent the facility for half-price.

“That’s how we operate,” Lee said. “That’s our mandate.”

mneibauer@dcexaminer.com