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."
LRCOG Annual Meeting
A Tribute to Our Counties and Municipalities
COVID-19 Cases and Deaths Increase Significantly in Rural Counties

From September to mid-November 2020, nearly twice as many new cases have been reported from rural counties compared to urban or suburban counties.
Update on NCDOT Rule Change for Billboards

In December 2019, the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposed a rule change that would override local ordinances and allow billboards with a state permit to be converted to digital and raised to 50 feet in height, even if such changes are not allowed by the applicable city or county ordinance. In response NCDOT received more than 450 pages of comments from legislators, local governments, residents, and others. Most of the comments were opposed to NCDOT’s proposed rule changes.
 
In response, NCDOT revised the proposed rules to respect local control of billboards. Under the revised rules, an existing billboard with a state permit can be converted to digital or raised to 50 feet in height only if such changes are allowed by local ordinances. The revised rules also made other changes, such as revising the definitions of conforming and nonconforming billboards.

What You Can Do
Those interested in submitting written comments or wishing to speak at the Rules Review Commission meeting should email rrc.comments@oah.nc.gov by close of business on Thursday, December 10, 2020. The comments should also be sent to NCDOT staff at Rulemaking@ncdot.gov
NC Medicaid Expands Website to Include New Resources for Medicaid Beneficiaries and Applicants

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the launch of a new online portal for North Carolinians receiving or looking to apply for Medicaid. The portal provides Medicaid resources in an easy-to-use web platform and includes information about Medicaid Managed Care, set to launch July 1, 2021.
Covid-19 Testing Facilities and NCDHHS Letter on Waiver of Inspections Request

The Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has provided guidance on this topic.
Area Agency on Aging
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
Workforce Development Division
2020 Awards of Distinction and Highlights
Announcements
With Cases Rising Rapidly, North Carolina Tightens Existing Mask Requirements and Enforcement

Governor Roy Cooper today issued additional COVID-19 safety measures to tighten mask requirements and enforcement as cases continue to rise rapidly in North Carolina and across the country. Executive Order No. 180 goes into effect on Wednesday, November 25 and runs through Friday, December 11.
North Carolina Introduces COVID-19 County Alert System
State to work with key counties to bring numbers down
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Website
North Carolina COVID-19 Information Hub
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).
Resources
NC FIRST Commission CRAFTS

CRAFTS, which stands for Creating Revenue and Finding Transportation Solutions, was developed for the NC FIRST Commission to find revenue solutions and make investment decisions.
 
Commissioners want your input. Use CRAFTS to develop your own revenue and investment scenarios. Submit your proposals​ to the Commission by Monday, Dec. 14, and let your voice be heard.

Commissioners will review all proposals before finalizing their recommendations in January.​
Funding Opportunities
VW Settlement Level 2 Charge Rebate Program

This Request for Proposals for the Level 2 ZEV Charging Infrastructure Program will assist interested parties in applying for funds using a first-come, first-served rebate process to install ZEV Level 2 charging infrastructure, as described in the North Carolina VW Mitigation Plan. Applicants will be limited to a $25,000 maximum rebate request at any given time. Eligible locations for Level 2 charging equipment include government and non-government property, workplaces, and multi-unit family dwellings.

Applicant Webinar

A webinar will be held on December 11, 2020 from 10am - 12pm, for interested stakeholders and applicants. During this webinar, staff will show applicants how to request access to the DAQ Grants Management System and answer questions regarding the Request for Proposals. DAQ encourages anyone interested in applying for a rebate voucher to attend this webinar. A link to the webinar will be emailed to all registered attendees prior to the webinar.

You must register for the webinar by December 9, 2020. You may register here.
Suggested Reads
Kenan Insights
Seven Forces Reshaping the Economy Amid and Beyond COVID-19
CONTACT US

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