Local governments, special purpose and public service districts, and public works commissions may apply for RIA grants.

Not-for-profit water/sewer companies are not eligible applicants, but may be assisted with RIA funds if the local government being served by the project serves as the applicant.

Basic & Economic Infrastructure Grant: Assistance is available for a variety of water, waste water and storm water drainage construction activities. While RIA often prioritizes upgrades and improvements of existing infrastructure, extensions of lines and new construction activities also are eligible.

Regional Planning Grant: Small communities (up to 10,000 service population) are eligible to apply, as well as larger utilities located in Tier III or IV counties. Planning activities must assess the feasibility and resource requirements of a regional solution for one or more water or wastewater utilities and address related technical/operational, financial and managerial concerns.

Basic & Economic Infrastructure Grants: RIA funds must be used for project-related construction costs. Applicants are responsible for all planning, engineering, permitting, acquisition, legal or other non-construction related costs. Applicants within counties designated by the SC Department of Revenue (DOR) as a Tier I or II county must also provide at least 25% of construction costs. Click the map to view counties where a 25% match is required.

Regional Planning Grant: No match required.  

RIA strives to make the application process straightforward and easy to understand. We recommend applicants review the instructional pages included at the end of the grant applications. RIA staff are available to answer questions and help you throughout the process! Applicants should not obligate any funds until an award decision has been made, which takes place generally 10 weeks after application submittal.