 LCRA and City of Smithville representatives present a $14,236 grant to the Smithville Police Association for a public message trailer and traffic tracking software. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Rick Arnic, LCRA governmental affairs representative; Robert Tamble, Smithville city manager; Sgt. Greg Stewart, Smithville Police Association (SPA) president; Sean Flynn, police officer; Lori A. Berger, LCRA Board member; Jad Hubbard, police detective and SPA treasurer; Mike Maugere, police chief and SPA vice president; and Scott A. Saunders Jr, mayor. |
The Smithville Police Department soon will have new traffic-control equipment that will help officers better inform the public about emergencies and other issues thanks to a $14,236 community development grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Smithville.
The grant, along with $3,559 in local matching funds, will allow the Smithville Police Association to buy a trailer with an electronic safety message board for the Smithville Police Department. The sign’s 4-foot-by-8-foot digital LED display will allow the department to customize messages to advise passing motorists about important information ranging from traffic issues to special events to natural disasters.
Traffic monitoring software bundled with the trailer will collect data, such as the number and speed of vehicles traveling a road during a given time. The software will have the ability to analyze the data and compile it into reports for officials to use, said Smithville Police Chief Mike Maugere.
“Everyone will benefit from this unit by simply being made aware of any type of event in our community,” Maugere said. “This will help the public in general, as well as the people who have to work at, in or around these types of events. We will also be able to collect the traffic data and make recommended changes in speed limits, signage, etc., for public safety.”
During an emergency, the sign can provide valuable, real-time information about topics such as shelters and road closures. The sign also will help the city make better use of its employees’ time by reducing the time staff members have to stand at intersections and direct each vehicle where to go or explain the circumstances to each driver.
“The city is fortunate to have LCRA as a conscientious corporate partner,” said Smithville City Manager Robert Tamble. “Programs like the Community Development Partnership Program have definitely made a positive impact in our community.”
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 electric and water service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves. The City of Smithville is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and a partner in the grant program.
Applications for the next round of grants are due 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; ensuring 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
