Horseshoe Bay approves vendor for fire rescue boat
Staff photo by Maci Cottingham
The Horseshoe Bay City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 17, approved a vendor for a new fire rescue boat, selecting a bid that came in well below the original $300,000 estimate.
The council approved Stanley Aluminum Boats, based in Canada, with a bid of about $258,000. The department has raised roughly $90,000, about 35 percent of its fundraising goal, and is continuing efforts to secure grants and additional donations to cover the remaining cost.
Currently, the department operates a swiftwater vessel that must be trailered, transported, and launched, adding to response times. Fire Chief Doug Fowler said the new fire rescue boat would improve emergency response across Lake LBJ and allow crews to pump water directly from the lake during fires.
“We had some verbal quotes for a boat we liked but it seemed every time we called to ask questions the price went up. People making donations are asking about the cost so we requested invitations to bid so we could get a firm price,” Fire Chief Doug Fowler told DailyTrib.
Of the five bids the department received, Stanley Aluminum Boats was the lowest at $258,000, while the other bids ranged from $300,000 to $500,000. Once a down payment is made, construction of the boat is expected to take about two years.