$70K grant boosts public safety, recreation

County firefighters see new equipment as baseball field gets lights

Community projects in Bastrop County are among those receiving funding after the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) awarded nearly $1.1 million in grants across Central Texas.

County organizations received nearly $70,000 in total aimed at supporting firefighter safety and enhancing recreational facilities.

“These grants are designed to contribute to the health, safety and development of communities,” LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson said in a statement.

The Heart of the Pines Volunteer Fire Department in Bastrop was awarded $16,869 from LCRA and Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative to purchase equipment designed to protect firefighters during emergency responses. The Rockne Community Recreation Center also received $50,000 for new lighting at its baseball field to help with safety and expand its use.

The grants are part of a broader goal to fund 41 different projects throughout the group’s wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas, representatives said. Many of the projects being funded are for first responders, public safety and community infrastructure improvements.

“By supporting community projects such as improved libraries and providing new equipment for first responders, the grants help nonprofit organizations provide better and expanded services across Texas,” Wilson said.

Combi ne d wi t h matching local funds, more than $303 million in community projects have been invested across the region since LCRA started its Community Grants program in 1995.

LCRA Community Grants are awarded twice a year and can reach up to $50,000.

According to LCRA officials, one $100,000 grant will be provided to a project submitted during the January 2026 application period to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Applications for the next round of grants are available at lcra. org/grants and due by midnight Jan. 31.