Central West- Texas Region was formed in 1966 due to the consolidation of Hudspeth, Presidio, and Brewster counties. The region is located on the western edge of the Trans Pecos area, extending from the Rio Grande to the New Mexico border.
The region’s population has flourished since its formation, with an estimated population of over 300,000 residents.
The Central West- Texas region is served by the Central West Council of Governments, which serves all nineteen counties within the region. CWCOG provides services such as transportation planning, economic development, emergency management, and public safety.
CWCOG also works closely with other regional councils to ensure that the needs of the people are met. The executive director of this region is Mr. Tom Smith, who is reachable at [email protected].
The Central West Texas region has fascinating attractions for tourists and locals alike. It offers beautiful scenery to visitors and some exceptional events to enjoy during your stay. Some of these include:
The WCTCOG Regional Emergency Medical Services program provides EMS service to the 19 counties within the region. It is operated under contract from the Texas Commission on EMS.
The WCTCOG Regional 9‑1‑1 Program comprises five full-time dispatchers and two-part time dispatchers. Each dispatcher handles approximately 1,500 calls per month. The dispatchers work with local fire departments, hospitals, clinics, and private companies to provide emergency medical care to residents of the region.
The Area Agency on Aging is an independent agency created by the federal government to coordinate services and activities for older persons in Central Texas. These programs help older adults maintain their independence through social services. The services include; counseling, transportation help, health screenings, food distribution, housing support, and more. The AAOA serves 16 counties within the region.
The Environment & Waste Management Program manages solid waste collection and disposal in the region. Their goal is to minimize environmental impact while providing high-quality services that meet the needs of citizens.
The Hazard Mitigation Program helps communities reduce or prevent losses caused by disasters. Through this program, they may assist impacted areas with recovery efforts after a disaster. The HM program also assists with mitigation planning, helping to identify potential risks and hazards to human life and property and developing plans to reduce those risks.
The Pipeline Safety Program works to ensure safe operations and maintenance of pipelines in the region. They provide training and technical assistance for pipeline operators and inspectors. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
The Central West Texas region has been designated as part of Homeland Security’s Urban Areas Security Initiative. This designation allows the region to receive funding for security improvements. The security program ensures public safety by protecting against terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
This program offers loans to small businesses to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region. Loans are available to small business owners who have not received the previous financing for new or expanding businesses. USDA Rural Development administers the program.
The HCAP helps individuals with disabilities obtain needed equipment, devices, and aids to improve their quality of life. It also provides information and resources to people about disability issues.
In summary, the Central West- Texas Region covers 19 counties in the central part of Texas. Besides providing EMS services, it also coordinates many other vital services, including environment and waste management, homeland security, and healthcare access.
