39 Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Grant Projects Funded to Improve Public Safety and Support Victims of Crime

ETCOG Awarded for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 23 Consecutive Years

Four Critical Projects Funded to Improve Radio Interoperability

Act now! Submit your challenge by December 17

ETCOG is making significant progress toward enhancing broadband access in East Texas. We anticipate receiving final approval this week for our Tier D and E license, officially enabling us to participate in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program challenge process. Key Partnerships Our team is actively collaborating with the Dallas Federal Reserve's BBI program, Rural LISC, Communities Unlimited, and DETCOG to advance broadband projects across the region. We are also working to secure Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for two counties that meet Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) criteria, ensuring more equitable access to broadband. Funding Secured In the past six months, ETCOG has secured $100,000 in grant funds to engage two independent broadband grant-writing organizations. These teams are focused on identifying additional funding opportunities and reviewing and developing applications for federal and state broadband programs. Recent Grant Applications ETCOG partnered with Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) to submit an application for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) $12 billion grant program. We expect to receive updates on award designations in early Spring 2025. Infrastructure Coordination This week, ETCOG met with TXDOT to explore synergies between our broadband plans and state-funded highway projects. We discussed opportunities to integrate fiber optic installation into TXDOT construction efforts, potentially reducing costs and accelerating deployment. Collaboration with the BDO In a recent meeting with the Broadband Development Office (BDO), we reviewed the status of East Texas broadband projects. The BDO commended ETCOG's ongoing efforts and invited us to participate in Austin-based training, planning, and funding opportunities to further support our broadband initiatives. Next Steps Our team is currently reviewing the new BEAD application process and coordinating with DETCOG to develop a strategic plan for upcoming funding applications. These efforts align with our mission to ensure that East Texas communities have access to reliable, high-speed internet connectivity. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to expand broadband access across the region. Questions? Contact our Special Projects Director, David Scott, at 903-218-6489.

ETCOG is now accepting interest forms from individuals passionate about making a difference in our region. We have multiple vacancies on our advisory committees, and we invite citizens in our region to submit your interest for consideration.

The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Community Development Fund. Maximum award amount is $750,000 for eligible applicants. Applications are due on December 3, 2024.

ETCOG is proud to announce its Executive Committee approved the renewal of purchasing a mass emergency notification system as a part of its public safety program for the 14 th consecutive year. ETCOG has entered a new five-year contract with Rave Mobility for an annual payment of $80,000, funded by our Homeland Security Grant funding. This system allows ETCOG to partner with East Texas’ city and county emergency management coordinators to send messages quickly notifying citizens about emergencies such as: Tornadoes and storm events Drinking water contamination Utility outages Evacuation notices and routes Missing persons Fires or floods Bomb threats Hostage or active shooter situations Chemical spills or gas leaks Other emergency incidents where rapid and accurate notification is essential This will be the second five-year contract ETCOG has entered into with Rave Mobility, offering unlimited minutes/texting, unlimited system users, and unlimited weather warnings that instantly and automatically alert recipients based on weather in the area, including type of weather, location, and severity. It also allows emergency management coordinators to deploy messages in over 50 different language translations and integrates with social media platforms. “We are excited to continue our service with Rave Mobility to offer Smart911 alerts,” said ETCOG’s Public Safety Director, Stephanie Heffner. “The capacity to have unlimited minutes and users opens up the opportunity to partner with more jurisdictions in the region that may have not participated before. Also, we know many of our jurisdictions used to pay for weather warning services out of pocket, so we are happy to offer a cost-saving opportunity with this vendor.” The system has been contracted for Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. To sign up for Smart911 Alerts from your community, visit www.etcog.org/alerts . The system will collect information to share with first responders on your household, medical and emergency contacts, and if there are pets in the home.