LCRA, City of San Saba award $6,950 grant to improve lighting at the San Saba County Rodeo Arena

New energy-efficient lights will improve safety, reduce electricity costs

May 29, 2025

LCRA and City of San Saba representatives present a $6,950 grant to the San Saba County Rodeo and Livestock Association for new lighting at the rodeo arena. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: John Palacio, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Danielle Sutton, Central Texas Telephone Cooperative customer service representative; Scott Glaze, San Saba public works director; Carol Freeman, Martha Leigh Whitten and Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board members; Brad Williams, association vice president; Cecilia “Cissy” Williams, association secretary/treasurer; Mahaila Gilger, association member, and her two children; James Lebow, San Saba County commissioner, Precinct 1; and Ross Williams, association member.
SAN SABA, Texas – The San Saba County Rodeo and Livestock Association soon will install new energy-efficient lighting at the San Saba Rodeo Arena, thanks to a $6,950 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of San Saba.

The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $14,940 in matching funds from the San Saba County Rodeo and Livestock Association, will provide high-quality LED lighting to enhance visibility and safety at the arena. The arena hosts events ranging from youth rodeos and team roping challenges to community fundraisers, pro rodeos and celebrations.

“We applied for this grant to replace our more than 20-year-old lighting system, which has become difficult to maintain due to aging equipment and unavailable parts,” said Brad Williams, vice president of the San Saba County Rodeo and Livestock Association. “With our annual rodeo and youth play days coming up this summer, we needed a safe and well-lit environment for both participants and spectators.”

The upgraded lighting will increase visibility for both spectators and competitors, while also reducing energy and maintenance costs. The new LED system is expected to cut monthly electric bills by about 50% and decrease ongoing maintenance needs. The improvements also will support expanded programming and increase the variety and quality of pro rodeo acts the arena can host.

“Rodeo weekend alone draws more than 100 contestants and upwards of 800 people in the stands, and we’re incredibly thankful for LCRA’s support and the City of San Saba’s partnership in keeping the arena a vibrant, accessible venue for our community,” Williams said.

The community grant is one of 45 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund eligible 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. The City of San Saba 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 July 2025. 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.

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Clara Tuma, Public Information Officer
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