$3.1 Million in Criminal Justice Grants Approved for East Texas

ETCOG’s Public Safety Division works with jurisdictions during the grant application process each year. Applications are reviewed and ranked by the ETCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, made up of experts from across East Texas.

Victims of Crime Act Support: $2,528,962.18

This is the largest funding category. These dollars expand crisis response, strengthen advocacy efforts, and help victims navigate the justice process. Programs supported include crisis intervention, domestic violence and sexual assault services, shelter operations, advocacy, and victim assistance coordinators.

Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Grant Funding Available for East Texas Public Safety Projects

ETCOG invites new and returning applicants from our fourteen-county region to attend free grant workshops hosted by our Public Safety team. Grant funding will be available for the following programs:

Homeland Security

• State Homeland Security Program – Regular Projects (SHSP-R)
• Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA)

Criminal Justice

• General Victim Assistance Direct Services Program (VOCA)
• Violence Against Women Justice and Training Program (VAWA)
• Juvenile Justice & Truancy Prevention Grant Program (JJ/TP)
• Criminal Justice Program (JAG)

GoBus Maintenance Facility Opens With Strong Community Support

ETCOG’s Executive Director, David Cleveland, opened the program by recognizing elected officials and partners who helped move the project forward. He noted that the new facility strengthens ETCOG’s mission to support the needs of East Texans through dependable public transit and thanked the teams and contractors who worked hard to bring the building to life.

Transportation Director Vince Huerta shared how the facility will improve daily operations for GoBus across the 14-county region. With added work bays, a wash bay, training space, and expanded parking, maintenance can be handled on-site, giving crews the tools they need to keep vehicles safe and ready for the road.

Grant Opportunity for: Clean Land, Healthy Communities

Redeveloping a brownfield site does more than change the look of a property; it strengthens the health, economy, and spirit of the whole community. Through ETCOG’s Brownfield Site Reuse & Revitalization Program, local governments and property owners can receive no-match funding to assess and plan for the safe reuse of vacant or underused sites.

Projects can include environmental studies, market analyses, and community engagement efforts that set the stage for growth while protecting public health and the environment.

Every successful project begins with identifying potential sites. If your community has a property that could be brought back to life, now is the time to act.

Find details and a site nomination form at www.etcog.org/brownfields-program.

Final Call for Veteran-Friendly Community Designation Applications

In its inaugural year, Quitman/Wood County and Tyler/Smith County earned the designation. The initiative has already gained national recognition, earning ETCOG the Achievement Award from the National Association of Regional Councils and the Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations.

Why does this matter?

Texas is home to 1.4 million veterans, representing 6.2% of the adult civilian population. Yet, 7.1% of veterans live below the poverty line, and 4% are unemployed. These numbers highlight the importance of creating communities that provide resources, opportunities, and support for those who have served.

Why become a Veteran-Friendly Community?

Veterans have made immense sacrifices in service to our country, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the support and respect they deserve when they return home. A Veteran-Friendly Community designation signals that your city prioritizes the needs of veterans, offering them access to resources, services, and opportunities that enhance their quality of life.

Being recognized as a Veteran-Friendly Community not only honors your city’s commitment to veterans but also sets a standard for others to follow.

Applications must be submitted by Thursday, December 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ETCOG staff are available to assist with the process, and all eligible cities are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadline.

For details and application materials, visit www.etcog.org/veteran-friendly-community.

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