Grants are offered to assist in the development of reliable infrastructure statewide and increase capacity for economic growth. Financial assistance is made available during two competitive funding rounds annually. Applications are reviewed on a comparative basis with consideration of the relative need, feasibility and impact of each project. Funding decisions are made by the RIA’s Board of Directors. RIA staff can provide technical assistance to help communities apply for funding to address critical infrastructure needs.
For FY 23 RIA will make its state grant dollars primarily available to assist with the SCIIP local investment requirement. Utilities that serve 10,000 people or less may request up to $500,000 of RIA state grant funds to be used towards their SCIIP local investment requirement. Such a request may be made using the SCIIP application form.
If available state funds are not fully obligated for SCIIP projects, RIA may consider applications for Emergency or Economic Infrastructure Jobs projects or Regional Feasibility Planning Grants. You may use the FY22 Fall round application for any FY23 Emergencies or Economic/Jobs projects.
The Basic Infrastructure program is designed to assist communities in complying with environmental quality standards, protecting public health from other environmental concerns or improving the capacity of existing infrastructure. Funds may be also used to address infrastructure that has exceeded its useful life and no longer provides quality services.
Projects that require an urgent response to resolve a documented emergency may be submitted at any time for Tier 3 & 4 counties. Consider the following when trying to determine if the project meets the definition of an emergency need: the situation is an imminent threat to the health or environment, urgent or immediate action is required, and finally, no other resources are available to address the situation.
Through the Economic Infrastructure program, funding will help build or enhance local infrastructure to support economic development that will create and retain jobs as well as boost opportunities for future economic impact. Reliable infrastructure benefits both new and existing businesses and puts communities in a position to attract additional investment that will contribute to long-term community sustainability.
The Regional Feasibility Planning program is designed to support water and sewer systems in planning for long-term viability through regional solutions. Eligible entities that are seeking a path to viability, including regional consolidation or other partnerships, may apply for assistance to assess the feasibility and resource requirements of various alternatives in order to make informed decisions.
Planning funds may be used for engineering, financial and other consultant costs associated with preparation of studies. A 25% match of total planning costs is required for applicants in Tier I or II counties. Studies should assess the technical, operational and financial conditions of one or more systems and evaluate the alternative courses of action, including at least one regional approach, in order to provide recommendations that will lead to greater long-term viability.
The SC Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) Annual Grant Program Strategy reflects the Board of Directors’ plan for distributing grant funds and selecting qualified infrastructure projects. It serves as a guiding document for those interested in applying for financial assistance. Updated annually in July, each grant program category includes a description of the available funds, eligible activities, priorities and other pertinent information for applicants.
For FY23, the SCIIP program strategy outlines plans for local investment participation. The Board has determined to use FY23 state grant funds in support of the local investment requirements for the SCIIP program. If all of the funds available are not obligated for SCIIP funded projects, the Board has agreed to consider requests for Regional Viability Planning, Basic Infrastructure-Emergency projects, for Economic Infrastructure Jobs projects, or for ongoing RIA state grant funded projects as appropriate to meet additional funding needs. The Board will re-evaluate the strategy in FY24.
Learn more about state grant program eligibility, match requirements and the application process.
Already have a state grant? Take a look at the project management procedures, forms and other resources available to help you successfully implement a project.
Want to learn more about applying for a state grant? See answers to common questions about the state grant program.
