Planning and Transportation



The LCOG’s Planning Department is involved in a wide array of activities, from developing long-range transportation objectives for the region, hazard mitigation, economic development and providing local planning assistance. 

LCOG Planning:

The LCOG is designated by the state as both the area-wide planning agency for water pollution reduction and the staff for metropolitan transportation planning and public involvement. In addition, local governments and non-profit organizations regularly enlist the COG to help conduct special studies and to prepare comprehensive or small area plans.


Previous Work:

Varnville CEDS   The Town of Varnville’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a strategy-driven plan, contributing to effective economic development in communities. The strategic direction was crafted based on the critical factors that speak to the Town’s assets and limitations including, but not limited to, cultural resources, demographics, and infrastructure.
     
Edisto Beach Comp Plan Final 1   Edisto beach is a family friendly tourism-based coastal community where residents have the highest quality of life; visitors enjoy a unique beach town character, natural beauty, and local services; and natural resources and the environment are preserved and protected.
     
LATS   The 2045 Lowcountry Area Transportation Study (LATS) Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) outlines the strategies for creating a resilient transportation system that accommodates current transportation needs and considers future opportunities to maximize resources. LATS is responsible for evaluating transportation planning in the designated urban area including urban portions of Beaufort County and Jasper County.
     
Rural LRTP   The 2045 Rural Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) identifies regional opportunities to invest its resources and address critical transportation needs in the rural including the rural portions of Beaufort and Jasper Counties, all of Hampton and Colleton Counties, and the 20 cities and towns in this area.
     
HMP1  

The Lowcountry Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan was developed to reflect the region’s current conditions. This includes updated socioeconomic conditions, hazard identification and profiles, and strategies for formulating the hazard mitigation actions. The plan helps communities become disaster-resistant and more resilient.

     
MIRR   The Military Installation Resilience Review (MIRR) helps communities make informed decisions that respond to, address, and mitigate activities that are impairing or likely to impair the use of the installation. The MIRR is the first of a series of funding MIRR efforts being undertaken across the nation and stands as a model for future coastal military installation resilience practice.
     
Hampton  

The Town of Hampton commits to maintain small town character and prepare for transitioning to a developing community where all residents have the opportunity to thrive.

     
Varnville Market   The Varnville Market Study identifies different aspects of downtown Varnville including demographic trends, historical context and current economic development, and marketing for growth. Recommendations focus on business attraction, retention, expansion and redevelopment opportunities, and the types of business that should be targeted for downtown area.