File photo
File photo
The East Texas Council of Government (ETCOG) will provide $1 million in supplementary COVID-19 aid from the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division to Upshur, Harrison and Gregg counties in order to address challenges of public safety brought forth by the coronavirus.
“ETCOG appreciates the efforts of the Office of the Governor in aiding our communities during the COVID19 response,” ETCOG Public Safety Director Stephanie Heffner said in a press release. “This funding is critical in helping local governments combat the spread of the virus in our communities.”
Funds are issued by the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program which is authorized by the Federal Emergency Appropriations for Coronavirus Health Response and Agency Operations Act.
Local units within governments may use the funds for first responder hazard and overtime pay, supplies for supporting teleworking technologies, PPE and county jail costs related to medical needs of inmates.