Granite Shoals lands grant for new fishing pier
Representatives from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Pedernales Electric Cooperative recently presented a $23,370 check to Granite Shoals officials for a new lighted pier at Lakeview Park, giving anglers safer, better access to the water.
Granite Shoals is moving forward with a lighted fishing pier at Lakeview Park on Lake LBJ after receiving a $23,370 community grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Pedernales Electric Cooperative. Combined with a $6,500 city match, the funding will allow the city to build a low-profile T-head pier offering convenient walk-out access for anglers.
Lakeview Park, one of Granite Shoals’ 19 public parks, was selected for the new pier to provide easy walk-out access to the lake during regular park hours. The city has 15 waterfront parks, eight of which have boat ramps, but fishing near busy ramps can often be challenging.
City leaders say the project fills a long-standing need at one of Granite Shoals’ most visited lakeside parks and described the pier as a small but meaningful quality-of-life improvement and the first of several planned upgrades for the lakeside park at 2830 Lakeview Lane.
“This project has been years in the making, and it gives Lakeview Park something it’s always lacked – a place to fish off the bank without the hassles of brush, shallow water or nearby boat traffic,” Steve Hougen, Granite Shoals mayor pro tem and parks committee liaison, said in a media release. “Parents and kids will be able to walk out, drop a line and enjoy the simple, timeless experience. Think of that classic ‘Andy Griffith’ moment of Andy and Opie walking home together with fishing poles and fish on a stringer.”
Hougen said the pier will serve as a shared community space.
“We’re grateful for LCRA’s and PEC’s support, which helped move a long-discussed idea into action,” he said. “The pier will be open to everyone, no reservations or fees required. It will be a community spot where families can fish, take photos and connect with the lake.”
The grant is one of 41 recently awarded through the LCRA Community Grants program, which supports projects across the agency’s electric, water, and transmission service areas.
Planning for the pier began earlier this fall when the Granite Shoals Parks Advisory Committee, with staff support, applied for the LCRA grant. Following the award, the City Council on Nov. 17 authorized the city manager to negotiate a contract with one of three bidders – Chapman Docks, Texas Decks and Docks, or Cragen Marine. The contract, capped at $30,000, must comply with LCRA grant requirements and the city’s existing park lease. The pier will include LED lighting and must be completed within one year.
“This project reflects our shared commitment to improving our parks and creating spaces where families and neighbors can come together,” Michele Landfield, the Chair of the Granite Shoals Parks Advisory Committee, told DailyTrib.