ABOUT US

Our History

In 1959, eight counties convened in San Augustine to establish the Deep East Texas Development Association (DETDA). The meeting was led by Texas Lieutenant Governor Ben Ramsey, a San Augustine native, who served as Master of Ceremonies. Federal District Judge Joe Fisher also spoke at the event. DETDA was formed as a non-profit organization with the primary goal of planning and constructing roads to two major East Texas lakes: Toledo Bend Reservoir and what was initially called McGee Bend Reservoir, later renamed Sam Rayburn Reservoir. DETDA was officially established in March 1960.

The original twelve counties represented by DETDA—Angelina, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Tyler, and Trinity—continue to be the core counties today, though other counties may participate in specific projects.

Initially, DETDA operated as a volunteer organization with members from cities, counties, businesses, and individuals. Bob Bowman of Lufkin volunteered as the organization’s administrator for many years. After the completion of Sam Rayburn Reservoir in 1960 and the subsequent construction of Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Sabine River, DETDA focused on advocating for new highways, public parks, boat landings, and related facilities.
In 2005, DETDA underwent a significant transformation, becoming more actively involved in regional economic development. This year marked the creation of the position of President and the hiring of a full-time leader to steer the organization. This shift aimed to broaden DETDA’s focus to include economic development, in addition to promoting East Texas’s water and timber resources, encouraging new highway construction, and developing tourism.

In 2006, DETDA launched an extensive initiative to attract retirees to the area, committing $100,000 annually for three years. This campaign included a comprehensive website, brochures, trade shows, and advertising in magazines like Texas Highways and Texas Monthly. The campaign aimed to attract visitors and potential residents while rebranding the region. Consequently, in 2007, the organization’s name was changed to The Texas Forest Country Partnership.

Today, the Texas Forest Country Partnership (TFCP) serves as a regional economic development entity dedicated to coordinating activities across East Texas and enhancing the 12-county area it represents. TFCP brings together industry leaders, citizens, public officials, and government agencies to advance several key initiatives, including:

– Promoting new and expanded primary employer payrolls.
– Developing East Texas as a transportation hub.
– Improving important roads and highways.
– Supporting a robust tourism industry.
– Strengthening rural healthcare systems.
– Ensuring the responsible use of natural resources.
– Enhancing educational facilities.
– Hosting an annual economic summit.
– Ensuring fair water resource allocation.
– Advocating for East Texas issues in Austin and Washington.