LCRA and Bandera Electric Cooperative representatives present a $23,000 grant to the Veterans of Foreign Wars – Eichholz-Strube Post 8569 for improvements to the VFW post in downtown Comfort. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, left to right, are: Steve Dyer, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Kenneth Rusch, Post 8569 commander; Jane Perilloux, grant writer; Lindsey Bertrand, marketing team lead at Bandera Electric Cooperative; Sam L’Huillier, Post 8569 trustee; Lori A. Berger, LCRA Board member; Michael L. “Mike” Allen, LCRA Board member; John Rolfe, Post 8569 trustee; and Leland Lingle, Post 8569 quartermaster.
COMFORT, Texas – The Veterans of Foreign Wars – Eichholz-Strube Post 8569 will update the flooring and roof in its post in downtown Comfort, thanks to a $23,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Bandera Electric Cooperative.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $9,814 in matching contributions, will allow for much-needed repairs to the aging facility.
“Every time it rains, we have major leaks from the existing roof,” said Leland Lingle, quartermaster of the VFW-Eichholz-Strube Post 8569. “In addition, the flooring creates a trip-and-fall hazard for anyone using the building.”
The VFW building is used almost every day by community organizations and individuals for events such as meetings, educational programs, exercise and wellness programs, and baby and wedding showers. The space is offered at no charge to many community groups.
The building has a prime location in downtown Comfort, adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce, and these repairs will enhance its appeal to visitors and residents of the Comfort community.
The building has also been certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a temporary pass- through evacuation center in case of an emergency.
“It would have taken us years to raise the money needed for these repairs if we had not received this grant,” Lingle said. “We are very grateful to the LCRA and Bandera Electric for these much-needed funds.”
This grant is one of a number of grants recently awarded through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which 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. Bandera Electric Cooperative is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and a part in the grant program.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted from Jan. 1-31, 2020. 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 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
