Entries by USCOG Staff

McCormick Area Transit Acquires Funds for Abbeville County; Saluda County to Receive Transit Funding

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McCormick County Senior Center/McCormick Area Transit has received a $100,000 National Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) grant in the Community Rides Grant Program to begin transportation services in Abbeville County. McCormick Area Transit (MAT) submitted the competitive grant application on behalf of Abbeville County and will provide the services there. Upper Savannah COG and other […]

USCOG Workforce Area Receives Federal Funding to Help Job Seekers, Businesses

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The Upper Savannah COG is one of nine organizations nationwide to receive U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) funding to help provide training and employment services for job seekers as the economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic’s impacts. USCOG’s workforce development staff applied for the funding on behalf of a consortium of five workforce development areas […]

Localities Can Apply for “Investing in America’s Communities” Funding

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U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo today announced six programs, collectively called Investing in America’s Communities, that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will execute to equitably invest the $3 billion it received from President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan. Contact Upper Savannah COG for assistance with any potential application of any relevant projects. Contact […]

Greenwood County Begins Transit Agreement; Other USCOG Counties Exploring Options

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Greenwood County residents living within a 2.5-mile radius of the County Courthouse now have a new transportation option. Public transportation service is available to anyone of any age within the service area for a fee. Approved trips include medical/doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, and pharmacy visits. Trips must be reviewed and approved at least one day before […]

USCOG Workforce Division Accepting Incumbent Worker Training Grant Applications

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The Upper Savannah Council of Governments Workforce Development Division is now accepting applications for Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) grants which help provide training needed in current businesses due to expansion, new technology, retooling, new services/product lines and new organizational structuring, or as part of a layoff aversion strategy. IWT may also fund training in new […]

USCOG Workforce Staff Produces Employment Directory for High School Seniors

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High school seniors in the Upper Savannah Workforce Area will soon be learning who might hire them and what kind of training is available as they take the “next step” after graduation. Upper Savannah workforce staff created a “Your Next Step After Graduation” directory of employers who hire recent high school graduates and are distributing […]

American Rescue Plan Expected to Bring Approximately $68.56 Million to USCOG Region

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The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a $1.9 trillion emergency relief bill, providing approximately $350 billion to states, territories, tribes, counties and municipalities to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency, offset revenue losses, bolster economic recovery and provide premium pay for essential workers. The Act will provide approximately $42.6 million to the […]

Upper Savannah Region Receives Federal Grant to Train EMTs, Paramedics

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Upper Savannah workforce development staff recently learned there is a shortage of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics in the Region and sought funding to fix the situation. Upper Savannah COG applied for and recently received a $500,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to train 100 emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in […]

Town of McCormick Receives CDBG Funding to Continue Downtown Streetscape Improvements

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The Town of McCormick has received a $750,000 grant award in the Fall 2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Community Enrichment, Neighborhood Revitalization and Special Projects Round, the S.C. Department of Commerce announced Dec. 8. Upper Savannah COG Community Development staff submitted the application on behalf of the Town. Fifteen grants were awarded statewide. McCormick’s […]

CARES Act Funds Available for Loans to Businesses Affected by Pandemic

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Businesses which were temporarily forced to close, experienced loss of revenue or were otherwise negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic might be eligible for business loans from the new Upper Savannah CARES Revolving Loan Fund (CARES RLF). Also, businesses whose products or services are in high demand due to the pandemic could be eligible. The […]