Lowcountry Council of Governments presented their yearly presentation for the Community Development Block Grant--Strengthening People Strengthening Communities at Monday's County Council meeting.

The block grant program is designed to assist local government in improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs for low- and moderate-income groups. Affordable housing is a significant component of that.

Administered by the South Carolina Department of Commerce Division of Grant Administration, approximately $19 million has been allocated for FY 2023. Grant categories include

• community development--infrastructure, enrichment, local priorities and neighborhood revitalization
• business development--create jobs, retain employment levels, encourage private investment, help create a competitive economy
• regional planning--develop plans and help build to community development capacity

Also included in the presentation was an update on the Beaufort County/Lowcountry Regional Home Consortium. Those program objectives include rehabilitation of substandard housing, increased accessibility to adequate and affordable housing and the support of development and availability of affordable housing.