$4.5M in Public Safety Grants Approved for East Texas Region
Thirty-eight Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Grant Projects Funded to Improve Public Safety and Support Victims of Crime
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East Texas, January 18, 2023:The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) announces $4.5 million in grants from the Governor’s Public Safety Office awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits. The Governor’s Public Safety Office administers federal and state grant funding to promote strategies that improve public safety, support victims of crime, prevent terrorism, and prepare communities for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to Texans.
ETCOG’s Public Safety Division assists jurisdictions in applying for these funds annually. Applications to be submitted for funding are ranked and scored by the ETCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and Homeland Security Advisory Committee, which includes local subject matter experts from across the region.
The Governor’s Office has approved a total of $4,594,151.92 for funding the Victims of Crime Act, Justice Assistance, Violence Against Women Act, Juvenile Assistance, and Homeland Security grants in East Texas.
Victims of Crime Act Funds – $2,764,321.37
The Crime Victims Assistance Grant Program (VOCA) devotes resources to providing direct services to victims of crime to help them recover and to navigate the justice system.
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Justice Assistance Grants – $343,036.06
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) promotes public safety efforts, crime reduction, and system improvements.
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Violence Against Women Act Funds – $126,453.56
The STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (VAWA) supports victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking through staff training, prevention and awareness, data collection, legal assistance, and treatment for trauma.
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Juvenile Assistance Grants – $48,192.00
The Criminal Justice Planning Fund No. 421 (SF-421) fills in the gaps throughout all areas of the criminal justice system and supports innovative concepts and best practices to achieve a safer Texas for all citizens.
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State Homeland Security Program – $1,262,719.98
The Office of the Governor’s (OOG) Homeland Security Grants Division awards projects which prevent terrorism and improve security.
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“Every year, the Office of the Governor funds opportunities that are invaluable to the ETCOG region. Funding received helps jurisdictions, nonprofits, district attorney offices, juvenile probation departments, and institutions of higher education. Funding also allows agencies to provide resources, equip, sustain, and better serve East Texas,” said ETCOG’s Public Safety Director, Stephanie Heffner.
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About the Public Safety Program
Working in partnership with state and local officials, ETCOG has been tapped as the primary planning and coordinating entity for Emergency 9-1-1 Communications in East Texas. ETCOG, through its Public Safety program, works with the State to have fully deployed, advanced 9-1-1 services for wireless callers and help plan for Next Generation 9-1-1. The program also supports first responders and plans regionally for disasters by partnering with the Texas Office of the Governor to coordinate Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Planning. The Public Safety program encompasses three program areas: 9-1-1 Emergency Services, Criminal Justice, and Homeland Security. www.pineywoods911.comAbout ETCOG
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is a voluntary association of counties, cities, school districts, and special districts within the fourteen-county East Texas region. ETCOG assists local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit, and coordinating for sound regional development. Established in 1970, ETCOG, either directly or through its contractors, provides programs and services for East Texas seniors, employers, and job seekers. ETCOG and its contractors also build the 9-1-1 emergency call delivery system, provide peace officer training and homeland security planning services, and deliver rural transportation services, business finance programs, and environmental grant funding for the region. www.etcog.org
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