The Texas Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America will be able to build a new bathroom and shower facility at Camp Billy Gibbons in San Saba County with the help of a community development grant.

LCRA and Sharyland Utilities provided the grant, which will help pay for construction of four centrally located shower compartments, one handicap-accessible shower compartment, and four individual toilet compartments. The funds will be used to purchase materials for the facility, which will be constructed mostly, if not entirely, by skilled adult volunteers.

“For the first time since 1937, the Scouts did not hold its annual summer camp at Billy Gibbons due to our antiquated facilities, and we want to make sure that doesn’t happen again,” said Mark Conrad, Texas Trails Council Scout executive. “We serve about 2,000 youths in this area, bring programs to the communities and provide a beautiful camping environment for the public. These new facilities will enhance the camping experience of the thousands of young people and adults who spend time with us each year.”

The new shower and restroom facility will be centrally located to the campsites, save water, be easier to clean and maintain and provide better comfort and privacy for Scouts, families and other guests. Camp Billy Gibbons is located on Brady Creek and offers 100 rugged acres of wilderness camping.

This community grant is one of a number of grants recently awarded through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. The program provides economic development and community assistance grants to cities, counties, volunteer fire departments, regional development councils and other nonprofit organizations in LCRA’s electric and water service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves. Sharyland Utilities is one of LCRA’s 43 wholesale electric customers and a partner in the grant program.