Our Mission
"In its dedication to regional excellence, the Lumber River Council of Governments is
proactive in identifying local and regional needs and the resources to address
those needs in an effective and fair manner."
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Nutrition Program
Region N Nutrition Providers continue to serve the older adults in our region during this unprecedented time.
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LRCOG Area Agency on Aging
(Serving Robeson & Scotland Counties)
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Richmond County Aging Services |
Senior Services of Hoke County |
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Lumber River Workforce Development Board
Program Updates
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The Lumber River Council of Governments Workforce Development Division provides services through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program to Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth customers throughout Bladen, Hoke, Richmond, Robeson, and Scotland counties. The services provided through the (WIOA) program focus on training, career exploration, and employment assistance. The customer impact stories presented highlight services provided through the Lumber River Workforce Development Board programs.
For a complete listing of program services and contact information please click links below.
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Misty Bradwell is a customer served through the WIOA Adult program at the NCWorks Career Center – Hoke County. Misty was seeking employment and required additional experience. Interested in positions in the social services field, Misty was placed in and completed a work experience at the Department of Social Services in Hoke County. After completion of her work experience, she obtained permanent employment with Robeson County Department of Social Services. Through the WIOA program, Misty was able to gain the experience she needed to be successful in her goal of obtaining employment. |
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Jayla Ross is a WIOA Out of School Youth Program participant served by Two Hawk Workforce Services at the NCWorks Career Center – Hoke County. Jayla was seeking assistance with career and training opportunities. Through participation in career exploration, Jayla was able to decide on a career in the health field. Through the WIOA program, Jayla received assistance exploring training opportunities and began classes at Sandhills Community College. Jayla enrolled in classes to pursue the Nursing Aid I certification. Jayla has overcome so many obstacles but is now on track to complete her certification on May 15, 2021. |
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Community and Economic Services |
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The LRCOG is pleased to announce a series of three classes on topics related to operating and maintaining our region’s drinking water and wastewater systems. The three classes are virtual and focused, each lasting 90 minutes.
We invite elected leaders, managers and administrators, public works staff, and folks who do the financial management and billing for your water and/or sewer system to join us for these classes. We have been fortunate to have folks joining us for these classes that are known statewide for their expertise in the topics presented.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jean Klein, Regional Planning Director, at Jean.Klein@lrcog.org. |
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Trends Continue to Stabilize as COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Opens for Some
Members of Group 4
People with high-risk medical conditions or who live in certain congregate settings now eligible for vaccination
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COVID-19 Response and Relief Bill and new Federal funds
Gov. Cooper signed H196, appropriating $1.7 billion in federal COVID-19 funds for various purposes. Among other things, the bill allocates more than $100 million to K-12 public school needs, provides $290 million for higher education emergency relief, and $40 million to support summer learning programs.
President Biden signed H.R.1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, into law, and North Carolina expects to receive significant additional federal funds in the coming weeks. Press reports indicate that North Carolina’s share of this funding could include nearly $9 billion, including $5.2 billion for state government, $672 million for larger cities, $682 million for municipalities, $2 billion for county governments, and $277 million for capital projects. This bill also appropriates more than $7.1 billion to help schools and libraries with broadband internet to facilitate remote learning across the nation.
Opening of K-12 Schools
Gov. Cooper and legislative leaders agreed on a plan to reopen K-12 schools. Under the bill (S220), kindergarten through fifth grade will open in Plan A as defined by the latest 2021 North Carolina Public Health Toolkit (K-12). Local districts will have the flexibility to decide between opening under Plan A, Plan B, or a combination of the two for grades six-12. Families have the option to continue virtual learning for their student learners.
The bill’s requirements are effective 21 days after it becomes law. School districts, however, are authorized to move to Plan A or Plan B immediately, if ready. The governor will have the authority to order a closure, restriction, or reduction of operations within schools, but can only do so on a district-by-district basis.
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The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
The NC League of Municipalities
With the passage of the American Rescue Plan on March 11, direct assistance will be provided to cities and towns for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In North Carolina, those funds will total more than $1.3 billion. Billions more will be provided to counties and to the state.
These appropriations have intended purposes, restrictions and guidelines. It is a significant amount of money that will help our municipalities not just recover from the pandemic and its economic fallout, but thrive over the next decade.
The League is here to help you through this process.
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National Conference of State Legislatures
The American Rescue Plan builds upon previously enacted aid measures in 2020:
Please visit NCSL's website for information on the American Rescue Plan.
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Website
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North Carolina COVID-19 Information Hub |
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North Carolina’s First Cybercrime Hotline
United Way of North Carolina and the Cybercrime Support Network (CSN) announce the launch of North Carolina’s first cybercrime support and recovery hotline. The new system allows North Carolina residents to dial 2-1-1 to report and find resources to recover from identity theft, financial fraud, cyberstalking, cyberbullying and other cybercrimes. This initiative was made possible through a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Grant that was awarded by The North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission. Additional support for the project has been provided by the N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT).
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American Rescue Plan: Primer for
Municipal Officials
March 23 | 10 a.m. | Webinar
The American Rescue Plan offers a significant source of support for our municipalities, and promises an opportunity to position our cities and towns well for the decade ahead.
With that support comes many questions: How can our towns spend this money? How much will be received? What is required of municipalities, and what are the first steps?
The League is here to help answer those concerns. The March 23 webinar will include:
- Overview of the legislation
- How to be a good steward of the federal funds
- Resources available for assistance throughout the process
Attendees will also hear from Michael Gleeson with the National League of Cities, as well as a panel of experienced local officials about the best practices and lessons learned from their time in office dealing with similar situations.
This webinar is free for members of the N.C. League.
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Local Government Training Initiative to Strengthen Local Governments in Tier 1 Counties
The Golden LEAF Foundation and the Center for Public Leadership and Governance at the UNC School of Government are partnering to launch the Golden LEAF Local Government Training Initiative for mid- and entry-level public leaders from economically distressed North Carolina communities.
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UNC School of Government Trainings
Conflict at its lowest level is a difference of opinion; but these differences can escalate and result in strained relationships that impede problem solving, successful goal attainment, and effective governance.
Hearing from fellow local elected officials about their personal experiences in managing conflict is a great way to learn what works well and what to avoid.
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Funding Programs for Water Systems in NC
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 2:00 - 3:30pm ET
A free webinar on funding programs that provide grants and subsidized loans to North Carolina water and wastewater systems. Program administrators from the NC DEQ Division of Water Infrastructure, USDA, and the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will present on their funding programs and provide updates on the different loans and grants that utilities in the state can apply for.
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Rural Resilience and Economic Development
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
During this session you’ll hear about structural challenges and opportunities in small towns and rural communities, “Mega Trends” in rural development, a prosperity community development framework, how to build entrepreneur-led ecosystems, and much more. There will also be ample time for Q and A with Don at the conclusion on the presentation.
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USDA Seeking Applications for Loans and Grants to Support Rural Water and Waste Disposal Systems
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is seeking applications for loans and grants to support rural water and waste disposal systems. Applications are accepted year-round, and technical assistance is available. USDA's Water and Environmental Programs can assist with constructing or improving infrastructure through loans, grants, and loan guarantees. USDA can also partner with rural water and waste service providers to finance infrastructure that aims to protect the cyber security of their facilities. The Water and Environmental Programs at USDA were recently expanded and guaranteed loans are now available to smaller communities that have the financial strength to take advantage of conventional credit as well as larger communities with populations of up to 50,000.
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EDA's Funding Opportunities |
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Quality of Life Grants Program
As a pillar of the Paralysis Resource Center, the Quality of Life Grants Program, pioneered by the late Dana Reeve, impacts and empowers people living with paralysis, their families and caregivers by providing grants to nonprofit organizations whose projects and initiatives foster inclusion, involvement and community engagement, while promoting health and wellness for those affected by paralysis in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
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BAND-NC Grants
The Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) announces a new round of funding from BAND-NC, a grant program designed to increase the number of people with internet in their homes, with the goal of making the state “first in digital inclusion.”
Apply by April 30, 2021.
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Water Infrastructure Challenges
Written by: Molly Gaskin
Water systems require extensive infrastructure, which is highly capital-intensive to build and maintain. Regional utilities are able to leverage economies of scale, drawing from a larger population (and therefore revenue pool) to support capital-intensive water systems.
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CONTACT US
Lumber River Council of Governments | Phone: 910-618-5533 | Fax: 910-521-7556
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