LCRA, City of Bastrop award $25,000 grant to Bastrop Little League

New concession stand appliances, revamped restrooms and AEDs in store for youth sports organization

May 11, 2023

BASTROP, Texas – Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Bastrop, the Bastrop Little League soon will upgrade concession stands and restrooms at its complex by installing new energy-efficient appliances, low-flow toilets and automated external defibrillators.
 
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $12,820 in matching funds from the league, will allow the nonprofit organization to replace outdated refrigerators, freezers, automated hot dog grills and popcorn machines now in use at its two concession stands. The league also will update the complex’s restrooms with new water-saving toilets, brighter LED lighting and better insulation.
 
Bastrop Little League President Clifton Smith said AEDs will be added to both concession stands and a handrail will be added at the stand that requires patrons to step up to reach the order window.
 
“We are ecstatic about this grant,” Smith said. “We’re a nonprofit organization and for years, we’ve tried to keep our registration fee as low as we could for families. This project was something we didn’t have the money to do on our own, but having the grant, we can go and do it.”
 
Founded in 1978, Bastrop Little League offers instruction and competition for young baseball and softball players, starting at the tee-ball level. More than 400 youngsters signed up for the spring 2023 season, setting a league record.
 
As Bastrop Little League tries to keep its costs down, the remodeled concession stands and restrooms will benefit the league financially, as well as provide a better experience for players and guests at the six-field complex, Smith said. The upgrades will help lower the league’s energy costs and encourage more out-of-town teams to play in tournaments at the complex.
 
“This grant makes you feel good that you’re going to be able to do something that will give back to the community and show the parents that this is a good place to bring your kids – and a safe place to play ball,” Smith said.
 
The community grant is one of 34 grants awarded recently 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. The City of Bastrop 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. 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. For more information, visit lcra.org.

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