Blog Post

$1M in Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Allocated for East Texas Jurisdictions

East Texas Council of Governments • Nov 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:
Large black and white trailer used for emergency management

Regional Exercise to Test Interoperability Communications Among First Responders in East Texas

By East Texas Council of Governments • 30 Apr, 2024
Texas first responders are gearing up for a communication training that will address communications interoperability during emergencies. Coordinated by the East Texas Council of Governments and the Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Division of Emergency Management, this workshop marks a collaborative effort to bolster emergency communication systems and emphasize the importance of seamless communications in crisis situations. Over three days, from May 17th to May 19th, participants from various sectors will engage in radio communication tests, workshops on technological advancements, and discussion on the future of emergency communications. The exercise will kick off at the Tyler Junior College West Campus before transitioning to operational platforms for real-world testing. Interested participants are encouraged to register for the event at www.preparingtexas.org and search for “Regional Communications” in the main search bar to join the collective effort to enhance public safety communication across Texas and the East Texas region.
female dispatcher looking at 911 address map

ETCOG Adds Cherokee County to 911 Addressing Program

By East Texas Council of Governments • 03 Jan, 2024
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) has extended its 9-1-1 addressing program to Cherokee County, enhancing emergency response capabilities for the region.
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