LRCOG News & Updates
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."
Census Ending A Month Earlier Than Expected
The Census Bureau is working to complete data collection as quickly and safely as possible, while ensuring a complete and accurate count as it strives to comply with the law and statutory deadlines. All offices are schedule to complete their work by September 30, 2020.

County Response Rates
As of August 5, 2020

National Self-Response- 63.1%
NC Self-Response- 59.2%
Bladen County- 45.3%
Bladenboro - 46.7%
Clarkton - 41.3%
Dublin - 31.6%
East Arcadia - 45.9%
Elizabethtown - 50.8%
Tar Heel - 40.0%
White Lake - 16.7%

Hoke County- 54.4%
Raeford - 55.9%

Richmond County- 50.3%
Dobbins Heights - 38.7%
Ellerbe - 30.8%
Hamlet - 51.3%
Hoffman - 42.6%
Norman - 33.3%
Rockingham - 54.1%
Robeson County- 46.4%
Fairmont - 51.0%
Lumber Bridge - 37.0%
Lumberton - 48.2%
Marietta - 42.7%
Maxton - 41.5%
McDonald - 57.1%
Orrum - 29.3%
Parkton - 40.2%
Pembroke - 34.9%
Proctorville - 43.5%
Red Springs - 48.8%
Rennert - 41.4%
Rowland - 34.4%
St. Pauls - 50.5%

Scotland County- 53.3%
Gibson - 36.6%
Laurinburg - 56.0%
Wagram - 39.1%
Please help by reaching out to everyone you know and reminding them to complete their Census forms now.
Nutrition Program

Region N Nutrition Providers continue to serve the older adults in our region during this unprecedented time.
Bladen Division on Aging
LRCOG Area Agency on Aging
(Serving Robeson & Scotland Counties)
Richmond County Aging Services
Senior Services of Hoke County

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication!
Construction of Housing Complex in Fair Bluff
Lumber River COG is Overseeing This Project
Announcements
North Carolina to Remain Paused in Phase 2

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 151
LRCOG's Interpretation of the Executive Order 124 and Executive Order 142 Repayments Plans for Customers

The LRCOG sent out an article which provided some interpretation of the Executive Order 124 and Executive Order 142 repayments plans for customers who accrued a balance due during the period March 31, 2020 through July 29, 2020. The information in that article was based on data from the UNC School of Government. Recognizing that the expiration of the “grace” period established by the EO’s was getting ready to expire, the SOG staff pulled together a webinar which was very well done and very informative and we based our message to you on that. 

On July 30, 2020 – the first day following the expiration of the “grace period” – the Attorney General’s Office released its interpretation of the repayment plans and late payments. Some of the interpretations that the AG’s Office is making are different. 
Coates' Canons
Now What? Utility Billing and Collections Post Executive Orders 124/142
Q & A Webinar to Learn About the NC Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP)

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 8:30 AM

Businesses and manufacturers feeling the lingering effects of COVID-19 should attend this Q & A webinar to learn about the tailored assistance now offered through the NC Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). Through the CARES Act, the NCMEP received federal funding to help small and medium-sized manufacturers adapt and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
NC Rural Center Webinar on Rural Development Hubs

Wednesday, August 26, 2020
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

The first hour will be the Aspen Institute presentation followed by a brief Q&A. The second hour will consist of regional breakout sessions to discuss what the rural development hubs framework means for your region.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Website
North Carolina COVID-19 Information Hub
Resources
Checklist for Developing a Reopening Plan
All businesses and employers should create and implement a plan to minimize the opportunity for COVID-19 transmission at their facility. When developing these plans, there may be certain considerations to follow for compliance with applicable Executive Orders and guidance provided for individual business types. This checklist will help retail businesses and other entities reduce the spread of COVID-19 in their communities.
Funding Opportunities
Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund (ESHPF) Disaster Assistance Grants for Historic Resources

Who May Apply For Grants
Local governmental units (including Councils of Government) and non-profit organizations can apply to use the Florence and Michael ESHPF Disaster Relief Grants. 
Your project must be located in one of the 61 eligible counties and involve properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
What is Grant Funding For 
  • Architectural and archaeological survey and inventory of historic resources to determine eligibility, degree of damage, and provide preparedness for future disasters.
  • Planning (known as pre-development) activities toward future stabilization and/or repair of damaged historic properties.
  • Brick and mortar work (known as development) to stabilize and/or repair damaged historic properties.
  • The execution of projects to mitigate the threat of damage to eligible historic properties from future natural disasters.


Request An Application Package 

Application packages can be requested by email at hurricane.grants@ncdcr.gov. The package consists of a guide to completing the application and the application form.

The application deadline is August 14, 2020 at 4 p.m.
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans

Small Businesses and Non-Profits Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small businesses, including agricultural businesses, and non-profit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation to health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments.
NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program
Funding will provide loans to help small businesses suffering economic losses related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan program supports North Carolina small businesses and family farms as they grapple with, and recover from, the economic impact of COVID-19. This rapid recovery loan helps small businesses bridge the gap between when crisis strikes and when federal loans and other relief funds are approved, or businesses have time to recover. The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan is supported by North Carolina entities and is for North Carolina businesses. It is designed to complement federal and other assistance programs, but it is not directly associated with the Small Business Administration (SBA).
North Carolina Neighborhood Revitalization Program  Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-NR)
Deadline Extended to 4:00 PM Monday, August 31, 2020

While the CDBG-CV program is being planned, non-entitlement local units of government are encouraged to apply for the NC Neighborhood Revitalization Program (CDBG-NR) to assist with local needs identified by the community in collaboration with state and/or local health officials to prepare, prevent, and respond to the Coronavirus. Projects could include, but are not limited to, stabilizing housing, rehabilitating homes for vulnerable populations, and re-purposing buildings into patient treatment centers. Please note that NR does not include any CARES Act funds, but rather using the regular CDBG program funding.
Additional Funding Opportunity

Duke Energy Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant
Application period open July 15 – Aug. 31; grant decisions by Oct. 31

This grant program will award $25,000 grants for general operating funds to North Carolina nonprofits dedicated to the fight for social justice and racial equity. Grants will empower nonprofits that are led by, and provide services to, communities of color. North Carolina will hold a social justice and racial equity grant cycle annually for at least three years.
Division of Water Infrastructure
Funding Programs Available in Fall 2020 Funding Round
Suggested Read
National Public Radio (NPR)
Census Door Knocking Cut A Month Short Amid Pressure To Finish Count
Rebuild better: A framework to support an equitable recovery from COVID-19
CONTACT US

Lumber River Council of Governments | Phone: 910-618-5533 | Fax: 910-521-7556