Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) recently announced the receipt of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant aimed at bolstering its critical communications infrastructure against natural disasters.
The grant, totaling $799,248, was awarded by the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), covering 90 percent of the project costs, with BEC contributing the remaining 10 percent.
“These grants represent a significant investment in our community’s resilience against natural disasters,” said Allen Marshall, Broadband Operations Director in Administration. “By fortifying our communication infrastructure, we are better equipped to serve our members during times of crisis, ensuring continuity of essential services.”
According to BEC, funding will facilitate the installation of generators at 13 central office locations across its service area, with the goal of ensuring uninterrupted communication capabilities during emergencies.
“A total of 15 generators, housed outside the respective office, will be sized appropriately to support all functions at each location including the running of air conditioning,” read a release from BEC. “The housing units for each generator will be protected against high winds and, if in a Special Flood Hazard Area, protected to the 500year flood level.”
A press release said the generators will have underground electrical runs to tie into the central office and include the plumbing necessary to install propane tanks.
BEC officials also said each location will also have the appropriately sized automatic transfer switch to seamlessly switch to backup power generation during emergencies that require the use of the generators.
“The installation of generators at our central office locations underscores our commitment to ensuring that our members can rely on us, even in the most challenging circumstances, “ said Shane Schmidt, Chief Operating Officer of BEC. “With this enhanced infrastructure, we can guarantee that telecommunications remain active, providing vital connectivity during natural disasters.”
BEC says the project aims to complete installation within the next three years, with the bulk of the work expected to be finalized by 2025.
A press release said all installations will adhere to stringent safety standards, including protection against high winds and flood hazards, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the infrastructure improvements.
