Economic Development
​The Deep East Texas Council of Governments is committed to advancing regional growth by partnering with key agencies and local organizations. We focus on proactively securing competitive federal grants to create job opportunities and drive economic progress.
Current Economic Development Opportunities
Economic Adjustment Assistance Program
The EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program offers grants to help communities tackle economic challenges by creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and fostering economic recovery. If you have a job-creating or saving idea, submit it to DETCOG. We’ll assist with planning, developing a strong grant application, and managing the grant, ensuring your project’s success in driving economic growth and resilience in our region.
Key Considerations for Successful Economic Adjustment Projects
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Grant Requests: Typically range from $500,000 to $5 million.
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Local Match: Usually 10-50% of the total project cost; 20% is common.
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Job Creation: Aim to create or retain 10-50 jobs per $1 million in funding.
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Focus: Projects should address economic challenges with clear, measurable impacts and long-term benefits.
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Partnerships & Sustainability: Strong community partnerships and long-term planning enhance application success.
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Please forward any economic development ideas or proposals to:
Andrew Harmon
Assistant Executive Director
936.634.2247 Ext. 5310
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Good Jobs Challenge
The FY 2024 Good Jobs Challenge, funded with $25 million, aims to strengthen local workforce training programs by investing in high-quality, sector-led training initiatives. This program supports partnerships that offer job training aligned with Good Jobs Principles, focusing on creating resilient regional economies and expanding job opportunities for diverse populations.
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Key considerations for the Good Jobs Challenge:
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Funding: $25 million available; 5-8 awards expected.
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Deadline: Apply by September 27, 2024, 4:59 PM EST.
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Job Creation: Focus on high-quality jobs and sectoral training.
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Partnerships: Build industry partnerships for targeted training.
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Focus: Target key industries that enhance regional competitiveness.
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Successful applicants will receive funding to develop training programs that address key industry needs and support economic security. The program will fund approximately 5 to 8 projects, with awards announced in winter 2024. If you need assistance crafting a proposal, contact Andrew Harmon.
Electric Vehicle Charging Program
The Community Funded Infrastructure (CFI) grant program, with a focus on Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers, offers significant funding to enhance transportation networks and improve safety. This program supports planning, engineering, and constructing EV charging infrastructure to boost accessibility, attract businesses, and promote economic growth.
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Key considerations for the CFI grant program:
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Funding: 80% grant-funded, 20% local match required.
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Deadline: Applications due by August 28, 2024.
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Award Announcement: Winners announced by October 31, 2024.
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Eligible Applicants: Tribal entities, state and local governments, transportation authorities, non-profits.​
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For more information, visit the FHWA Presentation.
Regional Economic Development Resources
Regional Economic Development Partners
DETCOG Economic Development Strategy
We invite you to review our regional economic development plan, which outlines our strategic goals and initiatives. Your feedback is valuable to us—please share any comments or suggestions with DETCOG to help shape our future planning. For grant applications, referencing this plan can provide critical context and enhance your proposal. Your insights will help us align our efforts and drive effective economic growth in the region.
Regional Resources