$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:
Mandatory Workshops Scheduled for Applicants
ETCOG announces that $3.1 million in grants from the Office of the Governor's (OOG) Public Safety Office have been awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations. These funds are aimed at enhancing public safety and supporting victims of crime. The program’s mission is to strengthen Texas communities by supporting initiatives that help victims recover and feel secure while also preventing crime through programs that: Prevent juvenile delinquency and support truancy prevention Provide services to victims of crime and address violence against women Support law enforcement and improve the criminal justice system Prevent child sex trafficking, bring justice to its perpetrators, and restore victims ETCOG's Public Safety Division assists jurisdictions in applying for these funds annually, and applications submitted for funding are ranked and scored by the ETCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, which is comprised of local subject-matter experts from across the region. The following Victims of Crime Act, Justice Assistance, Violence Against Women Act, and Juvenile Assistance grants totaling $3,136,019.36 have been approved by the OOG for funding in East Texas: Victims of Crime Act Funds - $2,528,962.18 The Crime Victims Assistance Grant Program (VOCA) devotes resources to providing direct services to victims of crime to help them recover and navigate the justice system.
