South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority Grants

info@ria.sc.gov
803.737.0390
Online contact form

The South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) provides grants for the development of infrastructure in rural areas of the state.

Eligible activities include new construction, upgrades, improvements, and/or extensions of publicly owned water infrastructure, sewer infrastructure, and storm water drainage facilities.

Funding may be used for:

• Basic infrastructure: Assist communities in bringing systems into compliance with environmental quality standards, protecting public health from environmental concerns, or improving the capacity and sustainability of existing infrastructure
• Economic infrastructure: Build local infrastructure capacity to support economic development activities that will lead to the creation or retention of jobs and boost opportunities for economic impact within communities
• Emergencies: Projects that require an urgent response to resolve a documented emergency
• Regional planning: Supports water, sewer, and stormwater systems in planning for long-term viability and sustainability through regional partnerships

Eligible applicants include:

• Units of local government
• Special purpose districts
• Public service districts
• Public works commissions

Local governments may apply on behalf of nonprofit water and sewer companies.

Basic infrastructure:

• Award ceiling: $1,500,000
• Project period: 24 months

Economic infrastructure:

• Award ceiling: $1,500,000
• Project period: 24 months

Regional planning:

• Award ceiling: $250,000
• Project period: 18 months

Emergencies:

• Award ceiling: Varies based on need, feasibility, and impact
• Project period: 18 months

Matching funds are required based upon project type and location.

Links to additional guidance, application instructions, and the application are available on the program website.

Applications for emergency funds may be submitted at any time for Tier 3 & 4 counties.

Email pdf files to info@ria.sc.gov and submit 1 hard copy of the application to:

SC Rural Infrastructure Authority
1201 Main Street, Suite 1600
Columbia, SC 29201
(Use Suite 1740 for in-person deliveries.)