$70,000 in Funding Allocated to 14 East Texas Jurisdictions in Solid Waste Reduction Efforts
We are pleased to announce $70,000 in grants from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) awarded to East Texas jurisdictions to reduce solid waste in East Texas. This funding from the TCEQ assists jurisdictions in establishing or expanding projects which would provide a direct and measurable effect on reducing the amount of waste going into Texas landfills by diverting various materials from the municipal solid waste stream for beneficial use or by reducing waste generation at the source.

ETCOG FY 2021 Municipal Solid Waste Grant Eligible Project Categories:
1) Local Enforcement, 2) Litter and Illegal Dumping Clean up and Community Collection Events, 3) Source Reduction & Recycling, 4) Local Solid Waste Management Plans, 5) Citizens’ Collection Stations and “Small” Registered Transfer Stations, 6) Household Hazardous Waste Management, 7) Technical Studies, 8) Educational and Training Projects. 

"Every year, these funds from TCEQ are utilized to meet regional goals and provide waste diversion resources to fund projects that benefit health and safety. These essential projects clean up hundreds of sites, and last year collected over 1.3 million pounds of solid waste in East Texas," said ETCOG's Community and Economic Development Manager, Chuck Vanderbilt.
ETCOG Receives Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting for Nineteenth
Consecutive Year
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

It is awarded to the East Texas Council of Governments Operations Division, which includes: David Cleveland, Executive Director; Wendi Horst, Operations Director; Rhonda Barber; Gini Blackwell, Sloane Bodle; Lynda Bond; Robin Emmel; Christy Fowler; Christy Green; Dawn Goodeman; Noweka Harvey; Rita Hitt; Patricia Hudspeth; Elizabeth Jones; Glenda Lamothe; Michaela Marotta; Staci Reynolds; Monty Scroggins; and Kim Zimmerman.

"Nineteen consecutive years receiving this recognition from an independent source is an outstanding achievement. It is also reflective of ETCOG's commitment to financial accountability. I am so proud of our entire Operations Team for their relentless pursuit of excellence!" said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland.
AAA Served 300 Seniors During Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment took place October 15, through December 7. This year, our Certified Benefits Counselors served 300 seniors with virtual counseling services, a 14% increase from 2019.

Benefits Counseling is offered to East Texas seniors year-round through our Area Agency on Aging.
AAA Receives Generous Donation to Further Mission
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas has received a donation of $1,000 to support seniors with resources, assistance, and events!

We would like to express our gratitude to Karen W. for her generous donation to the AAA.
The Regional Directory has been Updated
The ETCOG Regional Directory has all the contacts you need for East Texas jurisdictions and elected officials. All listings have recently been updated.
Workforce Solutions - Child Care Services
Hosting Family Resource Fair
Workforce Solutions East Texas will host a virtual Child Care Services Resource Fair on March 20th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This event will be a resource fair for parents and families of the East Texas area!

Over the past year, COVID19 has brought about many new challenges to families so this will be an effort to ease some of the challenges they may be facing. There will be vendors that can offer assistance with housing, utilities, food, clothing, medical services, education, transportation, and lots more.
Let GoBus Take You To Your COVID-19 Vaccine
Let us take you to your COVID-19 vaccination appointment!

  • Monday - Friday
  • Book your trip at least 24 hours in advance
  • Please wear a mask
  • Rides are currently FREE

Call 1-800-590-3371 to book your ride now!
Working in partnership with the state and local officials, ETCOG has been tapped as the primary planning and coordinating entity for emergency 9-1-1 communications in East Texas.

This includes working with the State to have fully deployed, advanced 9-1-1 services for wireless callers; helping plan for Next Generation for 9-1-1, and handling the addressing services for East Texas cities and counties as contracted.

Our 9-1-1 addressing data is the exact information emergency responders will be sent in the event of an emergency.
  • Click here to follow East Texas Council of Governments
  • Click here to follow Workforce Solutions East Texas
  • Click here to follow the Area Agency on Aging
  • Click here to follow ETCOG Public Safety
  • Click here to follow GoBus Public Transit
  • Click here to follow the East Texas Regional Development Company
  • Click here to follow ETCOG Regional Technology Solutions
East Texas Council of Governments
(903) 218-6400