Improving Emergency Communications Across Deep East Texas
Reliable Communication. Safer Communities.
Regional Interoperable Radio
The Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) is working to ensure seamless, dependable communication among first responders, public safety officials, and local governments. Our Interoperable Radio Communications Project is a multi-phase effort to upgrade towers, connect regional systems, and close communication gaps across our rural region.
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With support from the Statewide Emergency Radio Infrastructure (SERI) Grant Program, the Texas General Land Office (GLO), and additional local and federal funding sources, DETCOG is advancing a communications network that strengthens emergency response capabilities during everyday operations and disaster scenarios.
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Note: This map is a preliminary draft and is subject to change. Final tower locations and project details are still under review and pending feedback from regional county judges and emergency management officials.
Legend:
🔴 Red – Proposed State MID Tower Locations
🟣 Purple – Proposed HUD MID Tower Locations
🔵 Blue – Proposed Sites Funded from Other Sources
Project Timeline: Interoperable Radio System Upgrades
This timeline outlines DETCOG’s phased implementation of interoperable radio infrastructure funded through the GLO MIT-MOD program. The effort spans two major contracts. One for HUD MID counties (Jasper, Newton, Polk, San Jacinto, and Tyler) and one for State MID counties (Sabine and San Augustine).
Over the life of the project, 10 long-term leased towers will be equipped with advanced communications technology that allows emergency responders from different jurisdictions and agencies to communicate across systems, solving a critical interoperability gap in rural public safety. In addition, seven dispatch centers will be upgraded with new multi-seat radio consoles to support enhanced coordination during daily operations and disasters.
Though the State MID contract began nearly a year after the HUD MID, DETCOG is working to align construction and procurement across both to minimize delays and maximize regional impact.
Budget Overview: Strategic Use of CDBG Funding
DETCOG’s interoperable radio project prioritizes cost-effective, high-impact solutions to address the region’s long-standing emergency communication gaps. Rather than pursuing new tower construction, which would be time-consuming, expensive, and often impractical in rural terrain, DETCOG is leveraging long-term leases on existing towers and focusing resources on engineering upgrades, specialized equipment, and multi-agency dispatch technology.
The majority of the funding in both HUD MID and State MID project areas is being used to install and integrate interoperable radio systems across leased sites. This includes essential technology that enables law enforcement, fire, EMS, and emergency management personnel to communicate seamlessly across jurisdictions. Additional funds are reserved for environmental review, engineering, and grant administration to ensure full compliance and technical quality throughout the project lifecycle.
This approach ensures faster deployment, regional coverage, and long-term reliability, without the delays and costs of new tower construction.
Shelby, Nacogdoches, Houston,
and Trinity Counties
DETCOG is working with local partners in Shelby, Nacogdoches, Houston, and Trinity Counties to expand emergency communications capabilities by connecting each to the 700/800 MHz TxWARN System. The project will utilize a combination of federal appropriations, SERI funding, ARPA funds, and local support to lease existing towers and install interoperable radio equipment that enhances regional public safety coordination.
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County officials have identified suitable tower locations, with final selections based on coverage analysis. Some towers may require fiber backhaul to fully connect to the TxWARN core network. If funding is secured, additional dollars may support the purchase of portable/mobile radios and dispatch console upgrades to ensure compatibility with the new system.
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A draft infrastructure map for Shelby County highlights tower candidates over 400 feet in height. Final verification and feedback from emergency management and elected officials are still in progress as the regional design is finalized.
