LCRA awards $25,000 grant to Cat Spring Volunteer Fire Department
Updated pumper truck will replace aging truck, increase community safety
Nov. 29, 2022
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $260,000 in matching funds from the department, will enable Cat Spring VFD to replace its aging pumper truck that is costly to repair with a newer, upgraded 2014 model.
The pumper truck is the department’s principal response vehicle in many emergencies. It carries firefighters with their protective gear, water, hoses and other required equipment to emergency scenes, enabling first responders to begin fighting fires upon arrival even if tanker trucks carrying water have not yet arrived.
Cat Spring VFD President Chris Chambers said that vehicle reliability is key in emergency situations.
“The updated pumper truck will allow us to respond with the right equipment rapidly,” he said. “The reliability the newer vehicle offers and its updated performance means we can support our community effectively for many years to come.”
Cat Spring VFD serves the community of Cat Spring and its surrounding area, and provides mutual aid to other communities within Austin County and those that border its area in Colorado County.
“This newer vehicle gives us an up-to-date capability and effectiveness at scenes coupled with the peace of mind knowing it is so much more reliable,” Chambers said. “A pumper is also an iconic fire department vehicle, so it will also give a crucial sense of security to the community when they see a modern truck that looks professional. They feel safer knowing our equipment is modern and ready to serve, and as a wholly volunteer department we are very grateful to LCRA for their tremendous assistance in making it possible.”
The community grant is one of 46 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund capital improvement projects in LCRA’s wholesale electric, water and transmission 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 in January. 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 fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations. For more information, visit lcra.org.
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