BEC, LCRA Award Grant to Vanderpool VFD

An area prone to flash flooding will get a new rescue vehicle thanks to a $16,512 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and BEC.
 
The Vanderpool Volunteer Fire Department will purchase an off road vehicle capable of traversing up to 30 inches of water and operating through muddy areas with the LCRA Community Development Partnership Program grant plus $4,100 in matching funds.
 
"Our service area is prone to flash flooding," said Al Buckner, chief of the Vanderpool VFD. "In emergencies, accessibility and evacuations are precarious."
 
Vanderpool VFD has a service area of 138 square miles which includes low water crossings. Vanderpool VFD primarily serves portions of Bandera and Real counties and it has mutual aid agreements with fire departments in Utopia, Medina and Tarpley. It also includes campsites and Lost Maples State Natural Area.
 
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. BEC is one of LCRA's wholesale electric customers and a partner in the grant program.
 
For more information on BEC donations and grants, visit BanderaElectric.com/Grants

Posted Monday, June 4, 2018