HCCOG Executive Board Meeting
February 15, 2021 | 7:00 p.m.
Zoom Meeting
Meeting registration will be emailed to all Executive Board Members. Any members of the public who are interested in joining the meeting, please email info@hccog.org for more information.
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Town of Boone and Local Bookstore Receive
National Attention
"This Super Bowl Sunday we want to celebrate one of the many American small businesses that have struggled to stay open in the past year amid extremely challenging conditions."
Visit http://www.foggypinebooks.com to meet the fine folks at Foggy Pine Books on King Street in Boone, North Carolina where every book is an adventure waiting to happen! Foggy Pine Books is endorsed by celebrity customers Sam Elliott and Tom Hanks. #SBLV #LSSCSuperBowlSpecial #SmallBusiness |
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North Carolina Continues its Commitment to Equitably Distribute COVID-19 Vaccines
Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D., outlined on Tuesday how North Carolina is working to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. They were joined by Charles Evans, president of the North Carolina Association of Black County Officials and Chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.
Read more here.
Read Executive Order No. 193.
Governor Cooper Signs COVID-19 Relief Bill into Law
Governor Roy Cooper signed the following bill into law:
Governor Cooper shared this statement on SB 36:
"This pandemic continues to strain communities across our state, and this investment of federal funds in critical areas will help us defeat COVID-19 and build back a stronger and more resilient North Carolina."
Timeline on Group 3 COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization
North Carolina will move to vaccinate essential workers gradually because vaccine supply is limited and the Group 3 frontline essential workers is large. While vaccinations continue for healthcare workers and people 65 and older, increased supply and visibility in the supply chain allow the state to set expected dates to expand vaccine eligibility. On February 24, educators, child-care and school personnel will move to group 3, followed by additional frontline workers on March 10.
States must vaccinate people in groups due to limited supply.
- Currently, frontline health workers, long term care staff and residents and people 65 and older are eligible for vaccination.
- More than 40% of people 65 and older are estimated to have been vaccinated thus far and long waits for vaccine remain. Given Supply limitations, many people will have to wait.
North Carolina’s plan prioritizes speed and equity
- Vaccinations are occurring in all 100 counties and providers are using all of their first doses each week.
- To date, North Carolina has administered more than 1 million first doses and more than 1.5 million total doses.
More visibility into future supply allocations has allowed North Carolina to plan to expand eligibility.
- This week the Biden Administration committed to increasing supply by 5% and has provided clarity on North Carolina’s expected vaccine supply.
The state will begin to move into Group 3 gradually, beginning with educators and school personnel.
- North Carolina’s vaccine allocation is currently roughly 150,000 doses each week.
- North Carolina has at least 200,000 staff in K-12 public and private schools, including educators, administrators, bus drivers and cafeteria workers and at least 40,000 childcare workers
- Conservatively, there are an estimated 600,000 frontline essential workers in North Carolina.
- Educators and school personnel will become eligible on February 24
- Additional people in Group 3 will become eligible on March 10
This gradual approach will allow North Carolina to continue to administer all vaccine doses each week while expanding eligibility as soon as possible. Greater supply and the potential for new vaccines to be authorized will help.
North Carolina continues to administer vaccine as quickly and equitably as possible despite limited supply. All of our essential frontline workers need to be vaccinated and the state will work to expand eligibility as quickly as supply allows.
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Grant Opportunities
- USDA accepting applications to support RLFs that service microentrepreneurs in rural areas
USDA Rural Development has announced it is now accepting applications from nonprofits, cooperatives, and federally-recognized tribes interested in creating revolving loan funds to support rural businesses and community development projects in their area. Applications are competitive and must be submitted to the NC Rural Development State Office by 4:30pm on March 31, 2021 for the third quarter or by 4:30pm on June 30, 2021for consideration in the fourth quarter. To learn more, please go to: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-microentrepreneur-assistance-program.
- USDA accepting applications to community facilities technical assistance and training
USDA Rural Development invites eligible applicants (States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and villages, borough, authorities, districts, and Indian Tribes on Federal and State reservations) to submit applications for Technical Assistance and/or training with respect to essential community facilities. Through this program, resources are provided to help eligible entities identify and plan for community facility needs that exist in their area. To learn more, please go to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=330870.
- USDA Strategic Economic and Community Development resources
USDA will advance projects that promote and advance strategic community and regional plans, included the CEDS. USDA is hosting a webinar on February 9, 2021 at 4pm ET to showcase the FY 2021 application requirements and process. To participate, please go to: https://globalmeetwebinar.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1415040&tp_key=af3bf09f1e.
- DOT to offer Regional Infrastructure Accelerator grants
US DOT will offer up to five grants through a national competition aimed at establishing Regional Infrastructure Accelerators designed to expedite the delivery of transportation infrastructure projects through innovative finance and delivery methods. Applications must be received by March 31, 2021. To learn more, please go to: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=330635.
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SERCAP Financial Workshops
Please click here to view the agenda and register for Virtual Basic Financial Workshop for NC Rural Communities 2021.
Two Virtual Training Times:
- March 4, 2021 (9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.)
- April 6, 2021 (9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.)
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Division of Water Infrastructure Announces Spring 2021 Application Training
Two Virtual Training Times Available via WebEx:
- Tuesday, March 2, 2021 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
- Friday, March 5, 2021 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Click here to learn more and RSVP to Jennifer Haynie at jennifer.haynie@ncdenr.gov (919.707.9173) at least one week prior to the training event you plan to attend. Upon receipt of your RSVP, you will receive a WebEx invitation to the appropriate training. Please do not share this link with others so that we can keep track of who attends.
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Connect and Build Your Workforce with ApprenticeshipNC
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Registration is open for our free, virtual annual conference, which is scheduled for April 27 and 28. During it, you will learn how ApprenticeshipNC can help you build your workforce.
Whether you already have an apprenticeship program or are interested in creating one, our presenters will show you how apprenticeship makes it easier for your business or organization to bring on new workers and advance existing employees, build employee loyalty and foster new leadership.
Each day of the conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., leaving you time to take care of other business in the afternoon.
Sessions will focus on demystifying apprenticeship, expanding apprenticeship opportunities in your business, working in partnership with other employers and organizations to sustain your workforce, and more. We'll also hear from a respected North Carolina economist and a national leader in skills development.
Make plans now to attend our virtual annual conference. To register, click here. |
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“Main Street: Pivoting for Prosperity”
2021 NC Main Street - Virtual Conference
March 9-11, 2021
COVID-19 has challenged everyone in many ways. And yet, we have all heard, “That which does not kill you will only make you stronger.” Main Street is a strong organization with strong local programs that have rolled up their sleeves and brought together individuals to strengthen and rebuild businesses and communities over the past 12 months.
Visit Conference Website to Register Today!
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Water and Wastewater Finance Strategies Workshop
February 24-26,2021 | Attend via Zoom
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The Environmental Finance Center's annual Water and Wastewater Finance Strategies workshop will provide utility practitioners with new skills and up-to-date information on pricing, infrastructure finance planning strategies, and funding resources.
This three-day program will be led by EFC Senior Project Director Shadi Eskaf. |
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Attendees will include local government staff, local elected officials, utility staff, and consultants.
Credit hours may be offered as follows*:
- Water operators, by the Water Treatment Facility Operators Certification Board
- Wastewater operators, by the Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission, and
- Professional Engineers
*Subject to Approval
CEU|10.00 hrs
PDH|10.00 hrs
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Aviation Report
Below is the January 2021 report from the NC DOT on the status of aviation in North Carolina.
https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/aviation/Documents/state-of-aviation.pdf
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ESC North Carolina Chapter Webinar
“Alternative Funding Solutions for Your Facilities – Performance Contracting 101”
Thursday, February 18th 2021 at 10:30 a.m. EST
Reminder of the upcoming free webinar on February 18th by the Energy Services Coalition which is a public-private partnership of the NC State Energy Office and private industry representatives.
The State of North Carolina has $5B+ in deferred maintenance needs across government facilities (K-12, municipality, state government, & higher education). Meanwhile, there are existing programs and legislation designed to help fund facility improvements without burdening taxpayers or increasing allotments. In addition, these improvements can fund healthier buildings for occupants and reduce carbon emissions.
Please join the NC Energy Services Coalition (comprised of the NC State Energy Office and Private Industry) on February 18th at 10:30 a.m. to learn more about alternative funding solutions that help stretch your dollars further.
Save Your Seat Using This Link
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Updates and New Resources from NCDHHS
Please share with your networks and continue to encourage them to follow the 3 Ws: Wear, Wait and Wash -- Wearing a mask, waiting at least six feet apart and washing hands often.
Find My Spot - This vaccine location search tool lets North Carolinians enter their ZIP code or current location to find nearby vaccine providers. The Find a Vaccine Location tool will be updated regularly with the latest available data. Users should contact vaccine providers directly to confirm availability and schedule appointments. Vaccine supplies remain very low, and people eligible to be vaccinated may have to wait for an appointment.
Find My Group - Last week, NCDHHS launched an online tool to help North Carolinians know when they will be eligible to get their vaccine. Find My Vaccine Group walks users through a series of questions to determine which vaccine group they are in. People can also sign up to be notified when their group is active. North Carolina is currently vaccinating health care workers, long-term care staff and residents, and people 65 and older (Groups 1 and 2).
COVID-19 Vaccine Communications Toolkit - This is your spot for ready-made materials to help you communicate about safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. Anyone who is sharing information about the COVID-19 vaccine with their community, including health care professionals, team leaders, community and business leaders and non-profit organizations, can use and adapt the resources here to build confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines.
Videos - We have a library of videos of North Carolinians sharing why they are taking their shot.
COVID-19 Vaccine 101 Presenter Training Opportunity (2/12, 2/16) - We encourage you to attend one of the upcoming Vaccine 101 presenter trainings. The training will give you the information you need to educate your local community regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. To register go here.
Everyone will be able to get their shot as vaccine supplies increase over the next several months. Visit YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov or Vacunate.nc.gov for reliable and accurate information.
Thank you for all that you are doing to support North Carolinians as we work together to respond to this pandemic.
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Register for 2021 Rural Summit
The Rural Center’s 2021 signature policy-advocacy event, the 2021 Rural Summit will take place on March 15-17.
The Rural Summit will call attention to a number of public policy issues and priorities affecting our state’s rural people and places, with a special thematic focus on entrepreneurship and small business development. Additional policy issues on the event agenda include: broadband, healthcare, social determinants of health, water and wastewater infrastructure, regional collaboration, racial equity, and communities mobilizing for change.
Register for this event. |
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AWIA Risk & Resilience, ERP, and NC Source Water Rule Training Available
Upcoming AWIA Deadline: June 30th
NCRWA is offering FREE virtual training to educate water systems on the requirements, and to assist with compliance, of the following two rules:
- AWIA Section 2013: Risk Resilience and Emergency Response Plan and
- NC Rule 15 NCAC 18C.1305 - Source Water Protection Planning Rule
Which systems need to comply with these rules?
- AWIA Section 2013 - Any community water system serving a population of 3,301 or more (calculated in accordance with this rule)
- NC Rule 15 NCAC 18C.1305 - Any public water supply system that treats and supplies water from surface water sources (lakes, rivers, streams, etc.)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Training Dates: Feb 11th, Feb 23rd, Mar 18th
Tentative Virtual Training Schedule:
9:00 - 11:00/11:30 am
- AWIA Section 2013 Overview
- "The Checklist" - EPA Risk & Resilience Assessment Guidance for Small Systems
- NCWaterWARN Overview
11:00/11:30 - 1:00 pm
- Each system will work independently (with NCRWA available for assistance) to complete a portion of the Small Systems Checklist -and/or- Lunch Break
1:00 - 3:00/3:30 pm
- EPA Emergency Response Plan Template Review
- AWIA Certification Process Overview
- NC Source Water Protection Planning Rule Overview
- Source Water Resiliency and Response Plan Development Tools & Resources
If your system is interested in attending one of these FREE training events, please complete theNCRWA - Training Registration Form so that we can get you scheduled. Class size is limited. Once you have completed the registration form, we will contact you to confirm your registration and training date. (Materials will be provided before training events. Training will take place via Zoom with video recommended, not required. CEUs are not offered for these training classes.)
If you are a system that prefers this training onsite and are willing to host an onsite training event, please contact Alicia Melton directly at 919-812-2008 or aliciamelton@ncrwa.org. No onsite training classes for this particular training have been scheduled at this time.
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Town & State Social: Register Now!
The N.C. League of Municipalities is proud to host the annual Town & State Social: A Virtual Town Hall Connecting Legislators and Local Leaders on Wednesday, March 3 at 5 p.m., this time presented in a virtual format.
Join us for this special evening to celebrate our cities and towns, and to discuss the most critical topics facing our local governments. This is a valuable opportunity for our local leaders and state legislators to meet, interact, and hear from one another regarding the pressing issues facing our cities and towns.
The event will include policy updates from numerous legislative leaders, town hall sessions between state and local officials, and networking opportunities that aim to strengthen relationships as we move into the 2021-22 legislative biennium. We will also be exploring NCLM’s Municipal Advocacy Goals, as adopted by you, our local leaders, and look at how they intersect with the challenges facing your city or town.
This won’t be just another Zoom meeting. Be ready for an engaging evening, full of entertaining and valuable segments that, by evening’s end, will help us in “Working As One, Advancing All.”
CLICK: Information and registration.
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