$1M in Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Allocated for East Texas Jurisdictions
East Texas Council of Governments • November 19, 2020
The East Texas Council of Governments
(ETCOG) announces $1 million in grants from the Office of the Governor’s (OOG) Criminal Justice Division awarded to East Texas jurisdictions to address the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. These funds come from the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program authorized by the federal Emergency Appropriations for Coronavirus Health Response and Agency Operations Act.
ETCOG’s Public Safety Division
assisted local jurisdictions in applying for these funds after Governor Greg Abbott announced in July 2020 that $41 million had been made available for cities and counties in Texas.
Local units of governments may use funds awarded under the CESF Program for first responder overtime and hazard pay; equipment and supplies supporting teleworking technologies, social distancing, and personal protective gear; county jail costs associated with the medical needs of inmates as well as reimbursement for holding inmates awaiting transfer to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
“ETCOG appreciates the efforts of the Office of the Governor in aiding our communities during the COVID19 response,” said ETCOG Public Safety Director Stephanie Heffner. “This funding is critical in helping local governments combat the spread of the virus in our communities.”
The following CESF Program grants have been approved for the East Texas region:
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026 , honors the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the public safety telecommunicators who answer the call when emergencies happen. Held each year during the second week of April, the observance recognizes the professionals who serve as the critical first point of contact in emergency situations. At ETCOG, we are proud to recognize the telecommunicators who serve communities across our region. Their work requires professionalism, compassion, quick thinking, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. In moments of crisis, they provide calm, skilled support and help connect people to the emergency services they need. In 2025 , telecommunicators in ETCOG’s service area answered more than 174,000 9-1-1 calls and more than 20,000 9-1-1 texts . Behind each of those numbers is a person in need of help and a trained telecommunicator ready to respond. ETCOG supports the region’s dispatch offices through training, equipment upgrades, and management of the regional 9-1-1 system. These efforts help ensure telecommunicators have the tools, technology, and resources needed to serve the public effectively and efficiently. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we extend our sincere appreciation to the men and women who help keep our communities safe every day. Their work is essential, and their service makes a meaningful difference throughout East Texas.
Mandatory Workshops Scheduled for Applicants
