Eligible applicants are local governments, special purpose and public service districts, or public works commissions. Not-for-profit water/sewer companies are not eligible as applicants but may be assisted with RIA funds if the local government being served by the project agrees to be the applicant.

Although a single, eligible applicant is required, additional water and sewer utilities are encouraged to participate in planning studies and will be considered in determining the match requirement for the grant.

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 Feasibility Planning Grant: Funds may be used for engineering, financial and other consultant costs associated with preparation of studies. 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.

Basic & Economic Infrastructure Grant: 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. There is an additional match requirement of at least 25% of construction costs, depending on the location of the project.

Regional Feasibility Planning Grant: RIA will fund 100% of the eligible study costs if any study participant is located in a Tier III or IV counties. If all participants are located in Tier I and II counties, the applicant must provide funds for at least 25% of total planning costs.  

Click on the map to view counties where a 25% match is required.

RIA strives to make the application process straightforward and easy to understand. Please note that regional feasibility planning grants have a separate application from other RIA grants. 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.