LCRA representatives present a $19,500 grant to the Matagorda Volunteer Fire Department for new self-contained breathing apparatus units. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Kent Pollard, Matagorda County Precinct 2 commissioner; Clay Cook, Matagorda VFD president; Clay Bishop, fire chief; Lori A. Berger, LCRA Board member; Gail Cook, Matagorda VFD treasurer; and Christy Bishop, Matagorda VFD secretary.
The Matagorda Volunteer Fire Department soon will purchase five new sets of self-contained breathing apparatus units, thanks to a $19,500 community development grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with over $4,800 in matching contributions, will allow the fire department to purchase new breathing apparatus that meets current industry standards. Firefighters use the gear to breathe clean air while responding to hazardous situations.
“Some of the units were 20 years old and had reached a point where they could not be brought up to current National Fire Protection Association standards,” said Clay Cook, Matagorda VFD president. “With the grant, we can now equip our firefighters with the most updated equipment to ensure their health and safety.”
The grant arrived at an opportune time for the fire department.
“The past year has been a challenging one for our department,” Cook said. “But the community banded together to support us. The grant is a morale boost for our firefighters and the greater community.”
Matagorda Volunteer Fire Department serves the communities of Matagorda, Selkirk Island, Matagorda Beach and other areas of Matagorda County.
The community grant is one of a number of grants recently awarded through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. The program provides economic development and community assistance grants to cities, counties, volunteer fire departments, regional development councils and other nonprofit organizations in LCRA’s wholesale electric and water 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 July 1-July 31. 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 access to nature at more than 40 parks, recreation areas and river access sites along the Texas Colorado River, from the Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to enhancing the lives of Texans through water stewardship, energy and community services. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934. For more information, visit lcra.org.
Media Contact
Clara Tuma
512–578–3292
clara.tuma@lcra.org
Source: LCRA Business News
