ETCOG awarded $1.2 million to be distributed in corona relief

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments announced $1.2 million in grants on Thursday, from the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division. ETCOG’s Public Safety Division assisted local jurisdictions in applying for these funds after Governor Greg Abbott announced last July, that $41 million had been made available in Texas. Of the 12 East Texas entities receiving money, Smith County will get $246,000 and Gregg County will receive $164,000.

Funds may be used 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.