Robert Hiett
Executive Director
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Creating Regional Solutions Since 1971 | |
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On Monday, March 27, Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 76m Access to Healthcare Options, into law. The legislation will expand Medicaid, which is expected to provide health coverage to over 600,000 people across North Carolina and bring billions in federal dollars to the state. North Carolina is the 40th state to expand Medicaid.
"Medicaid expansion is a once-in-a-generation investment that will strengthen our mental health system, boost our rural hospitals, support working families and so much more," said Governor Cooper. "This is a historic step toward a healthier North Carolina that will bring people the opportunity of better health and a better life."
Did you know?
· 63 of 80 rural counties in North Carolina are designated as health professional shortage areas
· 26 of 100 counties in North Carolina do not have an OB-GYN
· African American infant mortality rate is 2.44x compared to white infants in North Carolina in 2018
· There have been 11 rural hospital closures in North Carolina since 2005
· There have been 8 rural hospitals in financial distress (as of 2017)
Closing the insurance gap would bring 43,000 jobs to the state of North Carolina
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Respond to Regional Food System
Survey for Local Governments
As one of North Carolina’s top industries that brought in $93 billion dollars to the state’s economy in 2020 and was responsible for 17.5 percent of the state’s total jobs, agriculture and associated industries are essential in our economic plans. The Upper Coastal Plain, Kerr-Tar, and Triangle J Councils of Governments have identified regional food system development as a key strategy in our regions to help drive economic development. This three COG partnership promotes rural-urban connectivity, explores strategies to circulate more money in the local economy and build on farm and food business retention and expansion efforts to increase the economic vitality, equity and resilience of our region. As partners in this work, it is integral to hear from you and your colleagues about your experience and interest in food system development in your community by answering this short ten question survey.
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DOT Opens $700M Grant Program for EV Chargers, Alternative Fuels
The Transportation Department opened a $700 million funding opportunity for states and local governments to install EV chargers and other alternative fuel infrastructure, part of its initiative to build a national charging network of 500,00 public chargers by 2030.
Funds from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) program - which will total $2.5 billion over 5 years - will flow directly to state and local agencies to build infrastructure for electric, hydrogen, propane and natural gas vehicles. The money will be split equally between projects in two categories: those along state-designated alternative fuel corridors, and those at community gathering points like stores and apartment complexes, the latter of which will be prioritized for rural areas and disadvantaged communities.
Background: The CFI program is designed to work in conjunction with the other major EV charging program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program.
While the NEVI program is focused on helping states build fast chargers along interstate highway corridors, primarily for long-distance trips, CFI grants will mostly fund slower, "Level 2" chargers at common stopping points near residences.
Gabe Klein, who heads the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, said in a statement that the CFI program will complement NEVI by providing the "right type of charging in the right location - whether that's high-powered charging on highway corridors and in urban hubs or Level 2 charging where EV drivers or riders live, work, and play."
Where the NEVI funds are relatively restricted - they are distributed by formula to states and their use is restricted to major highways - CFI grans are much more flexible. Awards can go to a range of state, local, and tribal agencies and the grants are discretionary, with applications weighted according to guidance in the Notice of Funding Opportunity released by DOT on Tuesday.
That means equity will be a major focus of the CFI grants, with the administration aiming to ensure lower-income and rural areas aren't left behind in the rapid push to electrify.
What's next: Applications for CFI grants are due May 30.
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Upcoming Environmental Justice Funding Opportunities
Environmental Justice Funding Opportunities
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to invest 40 million dollars into Environmental Justice (EJ) grants across the country. The EPA’s funding opportunities are expected to award non-profits with grants ranging from $100,000-$500,000 and US Territories, local governments, and federally recognized tribal government with access to $20 million in funding through the State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement (SEJCA) Program. $50 million is dedicated to the creation of Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTAC), one-stop-shops dedicated to supporting environmental justice initiatives in under-served communities.
A 14 minute presentation from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality covering these funding opportunities can be found here.
Other Resources
· EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center
· EPA Grants
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Golden LEAF Flood Mitigation Program -- Accepting Applications
Eligible Entities
Funds may only be awarded to units of local government. Local governments from all 100 counties are eligible.
Eligible Projects
Up to $250,000 may be awarded per project.
- Construction of new or improvement of existing publicly owned stormwater infrastructure, including natural drainage infrastructure and flood control equipment.
- Repair of existing stormwater infrastructure damaged or destroyed by flooding, which must include improvements to mitigate against future flooding.
- Engineering expenses related to planning and development of flood mitigation solutions.
Process
Applications will be accepted until all available funds are awarded. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Information about the program is available here.
Questions from potential applicants can be directed to submit the form here.
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The NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division (IMD) and the Transportation Planning Division created an annual matching grant program – the Multimodal Planning Grant Program (MMPG) – to encourage municipalities to develop comprehensive bicycle plans and pedestrian plans. This program was initiated in January 2004 and is currently administered through NCDOT-IMD.
The Multimodal Planning Program has been successful in its 20 grant cycles - since 2004, 254 planning grants have been awarded. To date, a total of approximately $8 million has been allocated to 248 municipalities and 6 counties through this grant program.
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Third Round Applications for Rural Transformation Grant Fund Open THRU MAY 3
The Rural Transformation Grant Fund provides local governments with grants and expert guidance to improve economic vitality and overcome the unique challenges many rural communities face. Open to local governments in the state's Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties, as well as qualified census tracts in Tier 3 counties, you may review a map with eligible areas here.
Approximately 72 Rural Transformation Grant Fund (RTGF) grants for about $40 million have been awarded statewide. Around $10 million in RTGF funds will be awarded in this third, and possibly final, round. RTGF grants can support:
- Main Street and downtown investment and revitalization efforts.
- Initiatives that help create resilient neighborhoods.
- Community enhancements that spur economic growth.
- Professional development and education programs to build local government capacity.
The application portal opened March 22 and closes on May 3. Awards will be announced on June 13. With a smaller amount of funds available, this round will be extremely competitive. Applications will need to be top quality. Review the program’s guidelines here. For more information, please contact Hazel Edmond, Rural Engagement & Investment Program Director hazel.edmond@commerce.nc.gov.
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EDA accepting applications to support public planning and construction/renovation projects that advance job creation and economic development
The Economic Development Administration is a federal agency that provides grant funds to support a range of construction and non-construction activities which will advance economic development and enhance the competitive environment in which jobs can be created and private investment leveraged. Public entities, or nonprofit entities working in collaboration with local governments, looking for support to construct or renovate public assets, or to conduct analysis or regional technical assistance programs with clear economic development outcomes should consider EDA’s grant programs. EDA currently has a range of programs available. For further information, please go to https://eda.gov/funding-opportunities/.
North Carolina applicants are also encouraged to reach out to the NC EDA representative, Hillary Sherman at hsherman@eda.gov to discuss program requirements and processes and alignment with potential projects.
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Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM)
2023 National Conference
Raleigh, North Carolina
May 7-11, 2023
The North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers (NCAFPM) is co-hosting the 2023 ASFPM Annual National Conference, May 7-11, 2023, at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. As the Host State, Floodplain Managers (Village/Town/City/County Government Officials) throughout North Carolina are eligible to apply for a SCHOLARSHIP to attend the 2023 ASFPM National Conference. This scholarship will provide the registration fee for early conference registration. 34 (total) scholarships are available for award. These scholarships are funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
To view or download the application please click the following:
2023 ASFPM Scholarship Application Word Format
2023 ASFPM Scholarship Application PDF Format
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Year of the Trail 2023
On August 18th, the NC Legislature declared 2023 North Carolina Year of the Trail, highlighting an opportunity to showcase, promote, and celebrate our state’s extensive trail systems. We envision a future where each of our 100 counties enjoys the proven benefits of trails, including the health and safety of our citizens, tourism and economic development, transportation, and the environment.
To that end, the Great Trails State Coalition is highly invested in making Year of the Trail big news for North Carolina! This statewide campaign will reach all communities and potential visitors with the message of how and where to experience the trails that crisscross our beautiful state.
Direct links to campaign resources, including videos and website:
Please follow and share @GreatTrailsNC on social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).
Sign up for our monthly campaign newsletter!
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Need technical assistance? UNC Environmental Finance Center is here to help!
The UNC Environmental Finance Center offers free one-on-one technical assistance for small water systems. If you have an interest in our support, fill out our interest form here.
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ARP Update: Office Hours, Reporting Deadline, New Course
Reporting Deadline April 30, 2023
Remember that the second Project and Expenditure Report is due by April 30, 2023 for all local governments. The portal will open on April 1. The report will capture all obligations and expenditures from April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023. We are expecting an updated user guide from Treasury, but in the meantime you can use Treasury’s self- service resources to troubleshoot common issues -- https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds/slfrf-self-service-resources. Be sure to identify who your account administrator was last year and make sure he/she knows their password. They can log in and assign a new person as account administrator, but that new person must first register with login.gov. If you cannot locate your account administrator (or password), reach out to US Treasury asap at SLFRF@treasury.gov or (844) 529-9527.
ARP Office Hours. Here is the schedule through April:
- Thursday, April 6, from 8:30-9:30am
- Friday, April 14, from 8:30-9:30am
- Friday, April 21, from 12-1pm
- The week of April 24, we will hold Office Hours each day to help address P&E report issues.
ZOOM LOG IN
Here is the new Zoom Log in for all Office Hour Sessions:
https://zoom.us/j/95481909044?pwd=UlE2VHNhN2luS0JEYTJqeTZTMFRWdz09
Meeting ID: 954 8190 9044
Passcode: 779726
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,95481909044# US
+19292056099,,95481909044# US (New York)
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April 19, 2023 | Online
9:00am-2:00pm | Course Cost: $125
All counties and municipalities received a direct allocation of American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund monies. These funds are subject to detailed eligibility, compliance, and reporting requirements and must be fully obligated by December 31, 2024 and expended by December 31, 2026. Among the reporting requirements, ALL local governments must complete the next Project and Expenditure Report between April 1, 2023 and April 30, 2023. Using two project case studies, this course will prepare units to successfully report and otherwise document compliance with applicable requirements.
What You'll Learn:
- All requirements of an eligible project
- Identify required justifications and documentation
- Adopt budgets
- Setup accounting systems and internal controls
- Adopt and implement applicable policies
- Track required financial and other information
- Report on the required elements
- Retain appropriate documentation.
Click here to view the course page and register.
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Have you reviewed guidance and other resources and still have questions about getting started and administering your local ARPA funds? For technical assistance, please contact your Upper Coastal Plain Council Of Governments. We are here to help!
Betsy Kane, Senior Regional Planner, phone 252-234-5902
email: bkane@ucpcog.org
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A great organization in our Region that always offers such great assistance to the community!! Check it out!! | |
Our partners at these Community Colleges of our Region are offering opportunities! We are happy to be part of this STEPS4Growth work group as Clean Energy was a focus. Now they are ready for you! Contact them today! | |
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Butterball !!! NOW HIRING!!!
Butterball is hiring for all shifts, and Wilson Workforce Center is actively registering Wilson County residents to be interviewed. In order to be considered for an interview, you must be fully registered on NC Works.gov.
To get a referral for an interview, please visit Wilson Workforce Center at 121 W. Nash St, Wilson, NC 27893 between the hours of 9am –11:30am and 2:30pm –4:30pm. Or you can call and speak to a Career Advisor at (252)281-6387. We are located on the 2nd Floor.
You must also apply at Butterball.com, and you must have two valid forms of Identification.
***Perks of working for Butterball ***
Pay between $15.75 - $18.50 per hour
Free transportation to and from Butterball at no expense to the employee. (Negotiation almost finalized)
Various shifts
Referral Bonus - Up to $2,000 – Ask for details during interview with Butterball.
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Our Superpowers have been activated and we’re excited to join forces with other Superheroes across the Aging Network.
Save the Date for our annual Aging Conference
Event: The Power of Aging: Full Speed Ahead Aging Conference
Date: Thursday, June 15, 2023
Venue: Edgecombe Community College—Tarboro Campus
Stay tuned for more information!
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The Biden administration’s decision to end the covid-19 public health emergency in May will institute sweeping changes across the health care system that go far beyond many people having to pay more for covid tests.
In response to the pandemic, the federal government in 2020 suspended many of its rules on how care is delivered. That transformed essentially every corner of American health care — from hospitals and nursing homes to public health and treatment for people recovering from addiction.
Now, as the government prepares to reverse some of those steps, here’s a glimpse at ways patients will be affected:
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New Home Modification Toolkit from the Fall Prevention Center at University of Southern California
The Fall Prevention Center of Excellence (FPCE) at the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California has launched a new Home Modification Toolkit as part of a project funded by ACL to promote aging in place by enhancing access to home modifications.
The toolkit was created with findings from research conducted with the aging network’s state units on aging, area agencies on aging, and Title VI Native American aging programs. Resources in the toolkit include:
- Home modification data briefs
- Case studies
- Technical assistance briefs on partnerships and funding
- Fact sheets and videos tailored for diverse populations
- Promising practices for replication
Those visiting the toolkit webpage can also access the "My Toolkit" feature to create a curated list of resources that can be shared with colleagues.
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On-Demand Courses Available Now | Ethics and Newly Elected Leaders Bundle
Ethics for Elected Municipal Officials
The League's General Counsel Office has developed an online Ethics training for members that meets the state statutory requirements. This engaging, on-demand course offers insights into the laws and principles that govern conflicts of interest, ethical standards of conduct at the local government level, and provides enhanced issue-spotting analysis and reasoning skills.
Register Here
Want To Take Ethics As A Group?
The League is now offering the ability for members to take their Ethics training as a group. For example, if your full council would like to take the Ethics course together during a meeting, you can view it under one person's account, but each registered attendee present will receive credit. If you are interested, please email Grace Findley to make sure each participant receives full credit.
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May 17-19, 2023 | Chapel Hill
9:00am-12:15pm | Course Cost: $450
This course will review several topics to broaden participants' scope and understanding of public contracting issues. It will equip public managers to appreciate various make-or-buy decision techniques, learn about management and legal challenges in contracting and how to mitigate them, identify various ways to design context-driven contracts, and learn how to select, administer, and manage contracts. This course is best suited for mid-career and supervisory purchasing officials, finance officers, and line managers that oversee and administer contracts.
What You'll Learn:
- Identify issues in the contracting decision-making process
- Identify various options for contract design
- Better understanding of contractor and vendor relationship management
- Better understanding of how to contract with nonprofit organizations
- Better administer, monitor, and assess contract efficacy
- Appreciate challenges and find solutions in public contracting
- Appreciate legal limitations in the contracting process
Click here to view the course page and register.
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May 25, 2023 | Online
10:00am-12:00pm | Course Cost: $75*
Under North Carolina law, members of governing boards of cities, counties, local boards of education, unified governments, sanitary districts, and consolidated city-counties are required to receive at least two (2) clock hours of ethics training within twelve months after each election or appointment to office. The ethics training requirement is an ongoing obligation, triggered by each subsequent re-election or reappointment to office.
*Pricing Details:
Single Participant- $75
2-4 Participants from the same jurisdiction* - $150
5+ Participants from the same jurisdiction* - $225
*You must register each individual in the same transaction.
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121 W. Nash St. Wilson, NC 27893
252-234-5952
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