CHRISTOVAL, Texas – The Christoval Volunteer Fire Department will replace an aging brush truck, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $81,965 in matching funds, will allow the department to purchase a new truck chassis to replace a brush truck that has become costly to repair due to mechanical failures.
“We’ll be up to three large brush trucks in our fleet with this new addition,” said Jimmy Barton, board president of the department. “It’s a relief to know we’ll have another reliable asset and we won’t have to worry about the truck breaking down. That’s very important.”
Wildfires pose a high risk in the 220 square miles Christoval VFD covers. The department serves a population of about 1,500 people and provides mutual aid to Tom Green, Schleicher, Irion and Menard counties.
“About 80 percent of our calls are fire related, especially during summer,” he said. “Wildfires or brush fires threaten development in our area, so we need to have equipment we can depend on.”
Barton said firefighters will outfit the new truck with the bed of the old brush truck they’re replacing and add toolboxes, new lights and a fresh coat of paint.
“It would’ve been difficult to purchase a new truck without help,” Barton said. “It’s a blessing to receive this grant to make this purchase and have zero debt. We’re very appreciative of LCRA.”
The community grant is one of 25 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 July. 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.
Media Contact
Clara Tuma
512–578–3292
clara.tuma@lcra.org
