Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and LCRA representatives present a $18,123 grant to the Meyersville Volunteer Fire Department for a new generator. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left, are Kyle Merten, Bluebonnet's Brenham-area community representative; Robert Mikeska, Bluebonnet Board secretary/treasurer; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA board member; Josh Roman, treasurer and firefighter; John Burleson III, fire chief; and Kate Ramzinski, LCRA regional affairs representative.

The Meyersville Volunteer Fire Department will soon install a new generator at its fire station, enabling the department to serve as a temporary shelter and helping keep communication systems online during power outages, thanks to an $18,123 grant from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $5,036 in matching funds from the VFD, will help the department maintain essential fire and rescue services in the Meyersville area even when the power is out.

“The addition of this generator means we can continue responding to fires, accidents and other emergencies in Washington County without interruption, even if the power goes out,” Meyersville VFD Fire Chief John Burleson III said.

“Thanks to this grant and the supplemental power system it provides, our station can also provide a place of refuge to residents, offering them safety and comfort when it is needed most,” he said. “Without this support, our ability to respond effectively during such events would have been impacted, and we would not have been able to serve as a critical safety resource for the community.”

The generator will be available to power dispatch operations and help ensure the fire station remains fully functional, enabling the department to provide critical public safety services. The Meyersville VFD serves northeastern Washington County, including the communities of Meyersville, Sandy Hill and Wiedeville.

The community grant is one of four grants being awarded by Bluebonnet and LCRA 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. Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the grant program.

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January 2025. More information is available here