Representatives from LCRA and the City of San Saba present a $25,000 grant to the San Saba Volunteer Fire Department for a new brush truck. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, left to right, are: Steve Dyer, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Scott Sanderson, San Saba VFD firefighter; Martha Leigh M. Whitten, LCRA Board member; and Stan Weik, San Saba city manager.
SAN SABA, Texas – A $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of San Saba will help the San Saba Volunteer Fire Department purchase a new brush truck.
The grant, along with matching funds of $32,300 from the volunteer fire department, will provide the department with a frontline firefighting vehicle to help firefighters reach wildfires in the rugged hills of San Saba County more quickly. The truck also will help firefighters assist motorists injured in vehicle crashes, and provide backup firefighting services for fire departments in four neighboring counties.
With the purchase of the new truck, the San Saba VFD will be able to retire an outdated, unreliable 2005 brush truck that frequently needs repairs.
“The area we operate within requires us to maneuver through rough terrain, constantly wearing down our trucks and equipment,” said Scott Sanderson, a firefighter with the department. “Replacing our older, more heavily used trucks allows us to have quality equipment that improves our ability to safely navigate the harsh and dangerous conditions.’’
The volunteer-based department provides primary firefighting and first-responder services to the City of San Saba and outlying areas, serving more than 1,100 square miles.
“Our residents depend on us to protect their lives, land and property,” Sanderson said. “Had we not received this grant, replacing our older brush truck would have been nearly impossible and would have greatly hampered our ability to properly serve our community.”
The community 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. The City of San Saba is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and a partner 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
