LCRA, PEC award $14,282 grant to add rainwater catchment system at Sandy Harbor fire station

System will provide on-site water supply for fire trucks, improve emergency response time

June 12, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • LCRA and PEC award the Sandy Harbor Volunteer Fire Department a $14,282 grant for a rainwater catchment and pump system to be installed at the fire station.
  • The system will improve firefighter access to water, shorten tanker refill times and strengthen emergency response in an area without municipal hydrants.
  • The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA’s Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applications in July for the next round of grants.

LCRA and PEC representatives present a $14,282 grant to the Sandy Harbor Volunteer Fire Department for a new rainwater catchment and pump system. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Susan Patten, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Lissette Youree and Joe Youree, VFD firefighters; Beth Koennecke, PEC external relations representative; Doug Hindelang, VFD president; Carol Freeman, LCRA Board member; Larry Smith, VFD fire chief; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board member; Jim Tolles, VFD firefighter; Susan Gonzalez, VFD treasurer; Tedd Dicus, VFD vice president; Dena Leggett, VFD secretary; and Charles Wingate, VFD captain.

LLANO COUNTY, Texas – The Sandy Harbor Volunteer Fire Department soon will install a rainwater catchment and pump system at its fire station to provide a reliable on-site water source for firefighting, thanks to a $14,282 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Pedernales Electric Cooperative.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $14,282 in matching funds from the department, will enable the VFD to install a rainwater catchment and pump system designed to fill tanker trucks used in emergency responses. The system will provide firefighters with faster access to water, improve emergency response capabilities in an area without municipal fire hydrants and help reduce delays during structure fires.

“This grant will allow us to install a rainwater catchment and pump system at the station, which is critical because we don’t have fire hydrants in our area,” said Doug Hindelang, president of the Sandy Harbor Volunteer Fire Department. “Having a reliable, on-site water source will help us respond faster and more efficiently during emergencies.”

The project represents an important investment in strengthening emergency responses in the Sandy Harbor community.

“This system will be much faster and more efficient than the process we’ve relied on in the past,” Hindelang said. “It will improve our firefighting capabilities, help us better protect homes and property and bring our resources more in line with larger departments.”

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.

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at www.lcra.org/grants.

Contact Info

Clara Tuma
512-578-3292
After hours: 512-944-6719
[email protected]

About LCRA

The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region’s growth and quality of life. 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. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.

About PEC

Founded in 1938 by then-Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson, Pedernales Electric Cooperative Inc. is the nation’s largest member-owned distribution electric cooperative serving more than 430,000 meters across the Texas Hill Country. An industry-recognized leader providing outstanding member service and reliable electricity, PEC conducts its business via a transparent and democratic process and encourages member participation.