Author Archives: admin

CDBG Project Update

CHESTER COUNTY
DSS/DHHS BUILDING RENOVATION PROJECT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
PROJECT REVIEW

 Applicant: Chester County
Grant Amount: $499,923
Grant Source: Community Development Block Grant
Community Enrichment
Use of Funds: Renovation of the Chester County DSS/DHHS Building to include roofing, new windows, parking lot improvements, interior improvements, upgrade bathrooms, and improvements to address ADA non-compliance issues.
Total Project Cost: The total project cost was […]

City of Union

The City of Union is located in the “heart” of Union County, South Carolina. It serves as the county seat and has a 2020 Census population of 8,174 people.

The City of Union, as well as the county, received its name from the old Union Church that was located close to the Monarch Mill around 1765. […]

FUNDS ARE STILL AVAILABLE – SC Business Loan Fund Update

The South Carolina Business Loan Fund (SCBLF) is a two-year loan program which began in July 2020 with funds awarded by the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The SCBLF goal is to lend capital to retain and grow jobs, strengthen supply chains, and aid in […]

2022 Elected Officials Forum

The 2022 Elected Officials Forum took place January 6, 2022 via Zoom conferencing.  Below are two of the presentations given during the online forum.

Click here to view the “50th CRCOG Retrospective” presentation.

Click here to view the “State Budget Report” presentation.

Chester County 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

The Chester County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan was completed to identify hazards that endanger the health and safety of the Chester County community, jeopardize its economic vitality, and imperil the quality of its environment. The second purpose of the Plan is the development of strategies for avoiding or minimizing Chester County’s vulnerability to these hazards. […]

Catawba-Wateree Project – Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement Update

Click on the newsletter below to see the latest news from Duke Energy on the Catawba-Wateree Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement.

Click here to view the December 2021 Newsletter.

City of York and Catawba Regional receive NADO 2021 Impact Award

The City of York, SC and the Catawba Regional Council of Governments have received a 2021 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the City of York 2021 Strategic Plan.

Click here to view the press release.

Two Job Openings at Catawba Regional

Check out the position openings at Catawba Regional COG.

Regional Planner/Senior Regional Planner – Click here to view the job information sheet

Program Planner/GIS Manager – Click here to view the job information sheet

Change of Date for Catawba Regional’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

The Executive Committee of the COG Board has decided to postpone Catawba Regional’s 50th Anniversary Celebration until the 2022 Elected Officials Forum which will be held on January 6, 2022 at the Gateway Center in Richburg.   “Change the Date” notices are being sent the week of September 27.   Thank you for your patience as we […]

Chester County Job Fair Update

SC Works partnered with Chester County Economic Development to host a Job Fair at the Gateway Conference Center on Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Job seekers had the ability to meet employers, apply for jobs, interview and potentially be hired on the spot.

Jobs that were available at the job fair […]

CDBG Grants Update

Below are some updates on CDBG grants taking place in our region.

Project Name: Bike Trail Improvements
Grantee: City of York
PRT #: P28052100821
Total Project Cost: $125,000
PRT Funds: $100,000
City of York: $25,000
Beneficiaries: The residents of the City of York. 321 trail users anticipated per week.
Project Description: The proposed project seeks funding to implement safety improvements and amenities for […]

South Carolina Business Loan Fund Update

The South Carolina Business Loan Fund (SCBLF) is a two year loan program which began in July 2020 with funds awarded by the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The SCBLF goal is to lend capital to retain and grow jobs, strengthen supply chains, and aid […]

Chester County Job Fair Update

Chester County Economic Development, in partnership with SC Works and the Chester County Chamber of Commerce, held a spring job fair on April 15, 2021 at the Gateway Conference Center in Richburg, SC.  There were 34 employers in attendance and almost 200 job seekers walked through the doors.  Participating companies included Boise Cascade, Boral Stone, […]

Grants Update

Applicant: City of Tega Cay

Grant Amount: $500,000

Grant Source: SC Rural Infrastructure Authority Basic Infrastructure

Use of Funds: The City of Tega Cay Water Tank Project consisted of the construction of a 500,000 elevated water storage tank that brought the Tega Cay water system in compliance with SCDHEC water storage requirements. This third water tank is crucial […]

CDBG Update – City of Lancaster Neighborhood Demolition Project

Applicant:  City of Lancaster

Grant Amount: $269,010

Paycheck Protection Program Update (FAQs)

Click here to view: “How to calculate maximum loan amounts for first draw PPP loans and what documentation to provide by business type” document.

OR

View “Payroll Protection Program Updates”

View “How to Calculate First Draw PPP Loan Amounts“

Job Fair of the Carolinas Information

Do not miss out on these job fair opportunities!  Click on the image below for details.

CDBG Projects Awarded – September 2020

Following is a list of the Community Development Block Grants awarded in September 2020 that were prepared by Catawba Regional Council of Governments:

Project Name:  Dawson Drive Sewer Upgrade Project
Grantee:   Chester County
Total Project Cost: $773,000
CDBG Funds: $674,000
Chester County Wastewater Recovery: $99,000
Beneficiaries:  166 persons, 110 (66.3%) of whom are low and moderate income.
Project Description: The project will consist […]

Job Fair of the Carolinas on November 17th

Do not miss our virtual job fair on November 17th from 9am to 12pm.

Click here to take part!

SC Initial Unemployment Insurance Claims Data (September 12, 2020)

Click here to view the unemployment insurance claims data week ending September 12, 2020.

Catawba Regional COG seeks proposals for website redesign

Click here to view the Website Request for Proposals document and response guidelines.

Rural Infrastructure Authority Projects Awarded May 2020

Following is a list of the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority grants awarded in May 2020 that were prepared by Catawba Regional Council of Governments.

Project Name: North Market Street Water Improvements Project
RIA Program: Basic Infrastructure
Grantee: City of Lancaster
Total Project Cost: $616,550
RIA Funds: $363,000
Local Funds: $253,550
Beneficiaries: 59 Residences
Project Description: Upgrades to water lines on North Market […]

Catawba Regional is seeking quotes for Full Service Realtor marketing and sales

Catawba Regional is seeking quotes for Full Service Realtor marketing and sales of our Neighborhood Initiative Program parcels. Existing structures have been removed and parcels have been fully cleared. There are approximately 120 parcels that are located throughout Chester, Lancaster, Union, and York Counties, including low-to-moderate income areas. A listing of parcels within each county […]

SBA-504 Interest Rates for July 2020!

The interest rates for SBA-504 loans are low and holding steady.  Here are the rates for July 2020.

25 year – 2.410%
20 year – 2.346%
10 year – 2.40%

For additional information on the SBA 504 Program, please contact Randy Pellisero or Ed Brock at 803-327-9041.

Submit your ideas for the future of York with a Community Survey

 

 

 

The City of York is developing a strategic plan and needs your input. Residents are invited to share their ideas on City of York’s facilities, programs, and vision for the future.  The online community survey is available for residents to give feedback on services and preferred community direction.   Residents are encouraged to complete the short […]

WIOA Youth Success Story

Congratulations Justin Wright for completing his CDL training on 6/22/2020 and beginning a job on 6/29/2020 at Coltharp Inc Industrial Supply.  He earns $26 per hour and will be home every day.  He is an expectant Father who resides in Chester, SC.  He will also be mentoring other young men and women in the Chester area […]

COVID-19 Catawba Local Workforce Development Area Reemployment Plan

Click here to view the COVID-19 Catawba Local Workforce Development Area Reemployment Plan.

SBA 504 loan rates for April

SBA 504 loan rates for April are out.  The best 25 year rate at 3.032% and 20 year rate at 2.960%.  Contact Randy Pellisero or Ed Brock at 803-327-9041 for additional information.

WIOA Youth Success Story

Alec Lohmann came into the SC Works Lancaster office seeking career guidance and assistance with developing a career path.  He was working at Food Lion but wanted to better himself and pursue a career.  While he did not have an extensive work history in the construction industry, Alec was interested in Heavy Equipment Operation.  He […]

CDBG Update – City of Union Fire Truck

The City of Union received a new Fire Truck today.  The funds for the vehicle were provided in part through a Community Development Block Grant  through the Community Enrichment program from the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Lancaster County Traffic Count Map – 2019

Lancaster County Traffic Count Map – 2019

Union County Traffic Count Map – 2019

Union County Traffic Count Map – 2019

Chester County Traffic Count Map – 2019

Chester County Traffic Count Map – 2019

York County Traffic Count Map – 2019

York County Traffic Count Map – 2019

Learn about SBA’s Disaster Loan Assistance

SBA wants you to know they have an Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (“EIDL”).  You can find specifics by clicking here.
These loans are designed to finance working capital such as payroll, utilities, and more.  Refinancing and expansion funds are ineligible.  For additional information please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: […]

SCWorks Center Closures to the Public

In light of the current conditions surrounding COVID19/Coronavirus and for the health and safety of the public and workforce staff, the three SCWorks Centers in the Catawba Region will be closed to the public beginning Thursday, March 19, 2020.

Please note:  The public will continue to have virtual/telephonic access and will be served.  Unless conditions warrant […]

Request for Qualifications for Consultant

Click here to view the RFQ.

Response Date

One original copy of the submittal must be received no later than 5:00 PM, Wednesday, December 27, 2019.  Submittals will be accepted via the following methods:

Mail:
Catawba Regional COG
PO Box 450
Rock Hill, SC 29731-6450

Overnight:
Catawba Regional COG
215 Hampton St.
Suite 200
Rock Hill, SC 29730-4887

In addition, an electronic copy of the submittal must […]

2019 SC COGS Conference – Project of the Year Award

Project Title: City of Union – Main Street Junction & Downtown Streetscape Improvements

Project Summary:  This multi-year, multi-phased project totaled $2,141,609 in direct investment in downtown Union. The first phase, Main Street Junction, was completed in November 2016 at a cost of $1,590,227 and successfully delivered a first-class venue for the use and enjoyment of the […]

SBA 504 Loan Program News

When Arpit, Rajesh, and Shaileshbahai Patel, principals of Krishnashray, LLC, decided to finance the acquisition of a gas station/convenience store and equipment, Catawba Regional was able to assist with an SBA 504 (Small Business Administration) loan. First Citizens Bank participated as the first mortgage lender. Collectively, the owners boast over a decade of work experience in the industry. Five (5) […]

Catawba Regional hiring for two positions!

Click on the links below to view the job postings.

Community and Economic Development Grant Writer/Administrator

Regional Planner or Senior Regional Planner

Office space available in downtown Rock Hill!!!

6,000 sf of flexible office space in the Knowledge Park corridor of downtown Rock Hill. $10.50/sf not including applicable taxes, insurance, utilities, or janitorial services. The space includes conference rooms, interior and exterior offices, fixed cubicles, two bathrooms, common work areas, and reception. Ample parking, easy access to Rock Hill transit system (stop is across […]

Union County Transit Feasibility Study

The Union County Transit Feasibility Study was completed to understand the need for public transportation in the county and within the region, to determine the feasibility of providing transit service, to determine community support for transit service and to define the different transit alternatives that could work in Union County and the available funding sources.  […]

American Thread Mill Community Visioning Workshop

Using resources from its EPA Brownfields Assessment grant, Catawba Regional COG sponsored a Community Visioning Workshop in Clover to discuss the American Thread Mill site. The meeting was facilitated by staff from Catawba Regional and its environmental consultant, Cardno, Inc. Over 40 stakeholders gathered to share their thoughts about the property and ideas for redevelopment. […]

Need a first job, better job or new skills in York County region? This can help

At 64, Lancaster resident James Blackmon is learning a new trade.

After retiring as a truck driver in 2016, Blackmon realized he wanted to fund home projects and needed a job. That’s where SC Works stepped in. 

SC Works is a brand of services aimed to help job seekers in South Carolina. At no cost to the […]

2019 Catawba Regional Elected Officials Forum

The 2019 Elected Officials Forum was held on January 3, 2019 at The Gateway Center in Richburg, SC. The keynote speakers were Tyson Smith with White & Smith LLC Planning and Law Group and Mike Shealy with the South Carolina Senate Finance Committee.

Mike Shealy Presentation

Balancing Growth – Tyson Smith Presentation

2018 Catawba Region in Review […]

2018 SCAPA Planning Award – Carolina Thread Trail

The Carolina Thread Trail cross state suspension bridge project was a multi-jurisdictional project completed in April of 2016.  The cross state bridge

Revolving Loan Fund Update

Catawba Regional was able to assist Ashley Fann and Scott Sherrill (pictured at left), principals of REVO Management, LLC, with an RLF (Revolving Loan Fund) loan to finance the acquisition of commercial real estate, and to purchase equipment for the facility located in Rock Hill, SC. South State Bank provided first mortgage financing for this […]

SC Rural Infrastructure Authority Projects Update

Following is a list of the current South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority grants that are being administered by Catawba Regional

SBA 504 Loan Program News

New or existing business, new growth, new opportunities…..Economic Development Loans are available to help you grow your business.

The SBA 504 Loan program now offers a 25 year amortization option. Funds are available to small businesses located throughout the state of South Carolina for loans up to $5.5 million. SBA 504 interest rates for August 2018:

 

10 […]

Lancaster County – Small Area Plan

Lancaster County is preparing a Small Area Plan for the Hwy 521/Town of Van Wyck area south of Waxhaw Highway and north of Hwy 5 and Andrew