ETCOG Honors Regional Leaders for Outstanding Contributions at 107th Board of Directors Meeting

East Texas Council of Governments • March 19, 2025
A group of people are standing next to each other holding awards.

Awardees left to right: Britnee Cagle-White accepting for Jason Boyd; Janice Melton, accepting for Commissioner Virgil Melton, Jr.; Patrick Dooley; Rains County Commissioner Jeremy Cook; and Bill Firestone of Republic Services.



ETCOG recognized five outstanding individuals and organizations for their exemplary contributions to the region during its 107th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting on March 18, 2025. The awards celebrate commitment, leadership, and community service, highlighting those who go above and beyond in making East Texas a better place to live and work.

 

REGIONAL FIRST RESPONDER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Patrick Dooley, Rusk County Fire Marshal’s Office
The Regional First Responder of the Year award recognizes first responders who have rendered extraordinary service, putting their lives on the line for our safety while performing their duties as peace officers, firemen, EMS and dispatchers, DPS officers, and troopers. Fire Marshal Patrick Dooley of the Rusk County Fire Marshal’s Office was honored for his heroic actions during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Beryl. On July 8, 2024, Dooley assisted in a life-threatening water rescue, working alongside Trooper Paul Bickerstaff to save a stranded woman from a submerged vehicle. Demonstrating extraordinary bravery and skill, Dooley positioned himself strategically to ensure the rescue team’s safety and played a key role in securing the woman’s safe evacuation. His actions exemplify the dedication and courage of East Texas’ first responders.

 

 

REGIONAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Jason Boyd, Smith County Community Emergency Response Team
This award is designed to honor an East Texas citizen who has contributed to the well-being of the East Texas Region. Jason Boyd, founder of the Smith County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), was honored for his dedication to disaster preparedness and emergency response. Since relocating to Smith County, Boyd identified a critical need for a trained volunteer force to assist in times of crisis. He established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to support CERT, ensuring its sustainability and expanding its reach. Under his leadership, volunteers have received life-saving training, strengthening community resilience. His impact extends beyond Smith County as he mentors and aids other communities in establishing their own CERT programs.

 

REGIONAL CORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Republic Services - Kilgore, Texas

The Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year award honors a corporate partner in East Texas who has contributed to the well-being of the Region. Republic Services, led by General Manager Bill Firestone, was honored for its extensive contributions to the East Texas region. For over 45 years, Republic Services has supported cities, counties, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit organizations with financial and labor resources. Through research, staff found over 50 organizations whose programs receive support regularly from Republic Services. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Republic Services demonstrated exceptional corporate citizenship by providing financial assistance to employees, supporting local businesses, and ensuring essential sanitation services continued without interruption. Additionally, Republic has maintained a long-standing presence within ETCOG committees and associated boards, with representatives like Gene Keenon actively shaping workforce and economic development initiatives, as well as advising on regional solid waste minimization programs.

 

REGIONAL STATESMANSHIP AWARD

Commissioner Virgil Melton, Jr. (In Memoriam)

The Regional Statesmanship Award recognizes a local, state, or federal official who has demonstrated valuable, dedicated service to regional cooperation. Former Van Zandt County Commissioner Virgil Melton, Jr. was recognized for his lifelong dedication to public service. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart Medal and Navy Commendation Medal for Valor, Commissioner Melton’s service to his country was followed by an extensive career in law enforcement and county government. His contributions to Van Zandt County included the development of the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial and over 17 years of service as County Commissioner. Commissioner Melton also served with great distinction for eight years on the ETCOG Board of Directors and Executive Committee, where he was known for his insightful leadership and unwavering commitment to regional collaboration.

 

 

REGIONAL COMMITTEE SERVICE AWARD
Commissioner Jeremy Cook, Rains County

The Regional Committee Service Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a sustained, dedicated commitment to ETCOG efforts and activities. Rains County Commissioner Jeremy Cook was recognized for his outstanding commitment to ETCOG and the broader East Texas community. A dedicated member of multiple ETCOG committees, including the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and EasTexConnects transportation committee, Cook is known for his hands-on leadership. Whether resolving critical infrastructure issues, personally assisting residents with 911 address verification, or championing regional initiatives, Cook’s proactive approach and unwavering dedication make a lasting impact.

 

ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland expressed gratitude for the awardees, stating, “Each of these recipients embodies the spirit of service and commitment that makes East Texas such a special place. Their dedication, leadership, and selflessness have left an indelible mark on our communities, and we are proud to recognize their outstanding achievements!”

Grant Writing Workshop Coming to Tyler Texas

July 21, 2026
ETCOG/ETEDD and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grant writing workshop in Tyler, TX, August 27-28, 2026. This training is for grant seekers from all disciplines. Attend this class to learn how to write winning government grant proposals and find the available grant funding. Beginning and experienced grant writers from city, county, state agencies, K-12, colleges & universities and nonprofits are encouraged to attend. Registration is $525 and includes everything you need: Grant Writing USA Workbook Two days of expert instruction Lifetime access to Grant Writing USA Alumni Resource Center Grant Writing USA is offering ETCOG members a $50 discount. Please use the discount code "less50" at the time of registration. When: August 27 - 28 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Where: 1421 S Beckham Ave, Tyler, TX 75701 For event details visit: https://grantstraining.com/ty0826

Registration Open for Illegal Dumping Class in Longview

July 16, 2026
Registration is now open for the Texas Illegal Dumping Resource Center Illegal Dumping Class , co-hosted with the East Texas Council of Governments. This two-day training is designed to support city and county officials, enforcement partners, and others who work to address illegal dumping and related environmental concerns in their communities. About the Class Illegal dumping continues to be a challenge for many communities, impacting public health, safety, property, waterways, and the overall quality of life for residents. This class will provide information and resources to help local partners better understand enforcement tools and response strategies. Topics covered will include: Illegal dumping Outdoor burning Public health nuisances Water pollution Hazardous waste City and county enforcement considerations Other related environmental enforcement issues Event Details Dates: August 17–18 Time: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Location: Workforce Solutions East Texas Address: 1905 W Loop 281, Suite 40, Longview, TX 75604 Cost: $125 Continuing Education: 12 CEUs included Who Should Attend This class is suitable for professionals involved in environmental enforcement and community response efforts, including: County deputies Constables Fire marshals Code enforcement officers Emergency management coordinators Prosecutors Local officials Others involved in environmental enforcement How to Register Participants can register at https://tidrc.regfox.com/cee-illegal-dumping---longview---aug-18-19 ETCOG is proud to help bring this training opportunity to East Texas and support local partners working to protect public health, safety, and the communities we serve.
Narrow stream flowing through tall green grass in a sunny field

Tips from TDA to Prepare for Upcoming 2027 TxCDBG Applications

By Texas Department of Agriculture • July 13, 2026
TDA is pleased to see interest from many communities in the upcoming 2027 Texas Community Development Block Grant applications. No action is required for communities at this time; however, here are several items that may be useful as you look forward to the release of grant applications this fall: Save the Date for your local governing body resolution. All TxCDBG grant applications require a resolution adopted by the local governing body to authorize submittal of the application, commit to adhere to the requirements of the TxCDBG program, and commit matching funds, if applicable. TDA recommends marking your calendar to complete this task at your October 2026 meeting. The required resolution language will be provided in the Application Guide, to be released in September 2026. Procure a grant administrator. Many Grant Recipients hire a consultant to be responsible for grant administration and reporting requirements. If your community would like to have a grant administrator also assist in preparation of the grant application, the services contract must be competitively procured prior to any participation by the firm in the application process. TDA has compiled a user-friendly guide to procuring a grant administrator according to TxCDBG policies: Solicitation and Contract Documents for Administration Services* Contracts The Unified Scoring Committee will determine at its meeting in September whether to offer an annual or biennial cycle for the Community Development Fund – the sample documents in this guide account for both options. A similar guide for engineering procurement will be made available later this fall. No engineering work is required for the first phase of the application process. Attend your regional meeting to establish Project Priorities (or review the adopted priorities once posted). Consider the projects important to your community in each of the Priority 1 categories, as well as other projects that are important to your community. ETCOG's regional meeting will be held Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 12 noon, at ETCOG headquarters TDA’s default priorities can be used as a reference for the available project categories; each region will identify its own priorities within this structure: 2027 Regional Project Priority Scoring Element - Default.pdf

ETCOG to Hold Public Hearing on TxCDBG Regional Project Priority Types August 6

By East Texas Council of Governments • July 13, 2026
ETCOG will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. during its Executive Committee meeting at 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore, Texas. The purpose of the hearing is to gather public input on the Texas Community Development Block Grant ( TxCDBG ) Program Regional Project Priority Types for the East Texas region. As part of the standard TxCDBG process, each Council of Governments region in Texas is encouraged to identify the project types that best reflect regional needs and priorities. During the hearing, ETCOG’s Executive Committee will receive comments from local officials, stakeholders, and members of the public regarding which eligible project categories should be prioritized for East Texas. These priorities may include needs such as water and sewer infrastructure, street improvements, housing, and other eligible community development activities. Regional project priority types play an important role in the TxCDBG application process. The priorities adopted by ETCOG will be submitted to the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), which administers the TxCDBG program, for use in the upcoming funding cycle. Regional priorities account for a portion of the scoring used to evaluate grant applications. ETCOG encourages anyone with an interest in community development needs across East Texas to attend the hearing and provide input during the public comment period. 

Texas Parks and Wildlife Community Outdoor Outreach Program Grant Announces Schedule of Grant Application Workshops

By Texas Parks and Wildlife • July 10, 2026
The CO-OP Grant team will host a series of Grant Application Workshops to cover all the elements needed for a competitive application. Offered both online and at sites around the state, the workshop will provide application support and assist potential applicants with an overview of the application process, grant program requirements and priorities, scoring criteria, budget planning and eligible grant expenses, and answer questions from applicants. Opportunities for in-person project consultation appointments with grant staff will also be made available at the site-based workshops. The CO-OP Grant will begin accepting project proposals August 3, 2026, through October 1, 2026, at 5 pm CST. Grant Awards will be announced March 1, 2027, and programs will take place over 18 months. Eligible projects should engage program participants in areas of conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental education and connect participants to TPWD sites, programs, and staff. Grant funding can support personnel, training, travel, food, fees, and supplies. There is no match requirement. This grant supports outdoor programs for populations that are under-served. The CO-OP grant does NOT fund any type of construction, trails, boat ramps, or vehicles. This is a reimbursement grant. REGISTER To attend at workshop, complete the online registration at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4BA5AD2DA1F5C16-64420560-tpwd#/ ONLINE WEBINAR Monday, July 20th 2 p.m.- 4 p.m Live (Recording will be available on/after 7/22)

TCEQ Launches Program to Reduce Emissions from Stationary Sources

By Texas Commission on Environmental Quality • June 5, 2026
$16.5 Million in Grants Available

USDA is Now Accepting Applications for Rural Businesses and Community Development Projects

By USDA Rural Development • June 2, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that it is making $27.7 million in grants available through the Rural Business Development Grant Program (RBDG). This program provides funding for business and community initiatives that promote economic growth and job creation. Eligible applicants can include rural cooperatives, state government agencies, towns, and communities, nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher learning, and federally recognized Tribes. Individuals and for-profit businesses or organizations are not eligible to apply. Applications will compete in two separate categories: Business opportunity grants: May be used for business support centers, technology-based economic development, leadership and entrepreneur training, feasibility studies, business plans, long-term strategic planning, and other eligible activities. Business enterprise grants: May be used for training and technical assistance, project planning, business counseling, market research, feasibility studies, and product or service improvements, buying or developing land, easements, or rights of way, including access streets and parking areas, constructing or renovating buildings, and buying machinery and equipment, capitalizing revolving loan funds, and supporting rural business incubators and community economic development and other eligible activities. Electronic applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. local time through Grants.gov on the due date. The Rural Business Development Grant Program has two different closing dates: June 15, 2026, only applies to Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) applications. June 30, 2026, applies to the remainder of the applicants. For more information on how to apply please visit on gov or contact your local USDA Rural Development office .

SBA Launches $1 Million Patriot Pitch Competition to Showcase America’s Entrepreneurs

May 19, 2026
Freedom 250 Event Celebrates Free Enterprise Through National Small Business Competition for $1 Million Cash 

Grant Opportunity for: Clean Land, Healthy Communities

By East Texas Council of Governments • April 30, 2026
Many of our communities have properties that are abandoned or underutilized because of suspected environmental contamination from past uses. These properties are commonly referred to as “Brownfields.” 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, community engagement efforts, and much more, 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 .
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