LCRA, Bluebonnet Electric Co-op award $13,219 grant to Carmine VFD

New generator will help keep power on at fire station even in extreme conditions

Nov. 19, 2025

CARMINE, Texas – The Carmine Volunteer Fire Department soon will replace its inoperable generator with a new upgraded model to help the fire station remain operational even during power outages, thanks to a $13,219 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative.

The community grant, along with $3,514 in matching funds from the VFD, will fund the purchase and installation of a new generator to help ensure firefighters can continue 24/7 operations during power outages, including receiving calls for help, refilling air packs, charging devices and maintaining critical communications.

“During hurricanes, wildfires and extreme cold weather events, the station’s new generator will allow our department to provide continued service to our area of responsibility,” said Cooper Meaders, secretary of the Carmine VFD. “We also provide mutual aid to our neighboring departments, so this will benefit the larger community.”

The addition of a functional generator also will enable the department to provide a cool or warm working environment for first responders during power outages.

The Carmine Volunteer Fire Department serves Carmine and surrounding areas in northern Fayette County and by responding to fires, vehicle accidents and medical emergencies. The all-volunteer department plays a vital role in protecting rural communities where backup support can be miles away.

“CVFD’s commitment to provide our local community with 24/7 fire protection and first responder services is our No. 1 priority and this grant helps us achieve our mission,” Meaders said.

This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA’s effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the Community Grants program.

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.

About Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative is one of the largest electric cooperatives in Texas and has been serving its members since 1939. Bluebonnet serves more than 143,000 meters and owns and maintains 12,700 miles of power lines, located across more than 3,800 square miles within 14 Central Texas counties. Bluebonnet’s service area stretches from Travis County to Washington County, and from Milam County to Gonzales County. For more information about Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, go to bluebonnet.coop and follow the co-op on Facebook and X/Twitter.

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