RIA Approves Grants for Enhancing Water, Sewer and Stormwater Infrastructure
The S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved grant assistance for 34 projects, totaling more than $14.5 million, to strengthen water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure. This brings the total funds awarded this fiscal year to $25.7 million.
Access to adequate water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure is key to supporting South Carolina’s quality of life, as well as opening doors for economic development. Yet, repairs to critical infrastructure can be expensive, and local funds are often limited. Leveraging RIA grants, local revenues and other funds to address the improvements is critical in helping to close the gap between needs and resources.
“The need to partner, collaborate and work together is critical to the long-term sustainability of a community. By targeting limited, public resources where they will have the greatest, long-term impact and addressing the most pressing needs to protect public health and the environment, these grants improve and strengthen the communities they serve,” said Executive Director Bonnie Ammons.
A majority of the projects funded by the grants include improving aging sewer collection and treatment facilities; upgrading water supply, storage and distribution systems; and mitigating neighborhood flooding by improving drainage structures. The remaining grant awards increase infrastructure capacity to support existing business and new economic opportunities. All of the projects will have a significant impact on the 44,000 residents and businesses they serve.
RIA grants are awarded twice a year through a competitive process that considers the need for improved public health, environmental protection, community sustainability and economic development. Applications are selected by the RIA board based on criteria, including severity of the problem, expected impact and project feasibility. Recipients share in the cost of projects by paying for non-construction activities and, often times, providing additional funds for construction.
A list of grant recipients for the second round of competitive grants for fiscal year 2020 is below. To learn more about RIA or how to apply for grant assistance, visit www.ria.sc.gov.
| Aiken, City of | Economic Sewer Infrastructure | $500,000 |
| Aiken County / New Holland Rural Community | Water System Improvements | $60,000 |
| Bamberg Board of Public Works | Economic Sewer Infrastructure | $450,000 |
| Berkeley County | Sewer System Improvements | $350,000 |
| Bishopville, City of | Sewer System Improvements | $500,000 |
| Bishopville, City of | Economic Water Infrastructure | $500,000 |
| Blacksburg, Town of | Water System Improvements | $500,000 |
| Carlisle, Town of | Sewer System Improvements | $500,000 |
| Cheraw, Town of | Economic Sewer Infrastructure | $500,000 |
| Cherokee County / Draytonville Water Works | Water System Improvements | $407,500 |
| Clinton, City of | Sewer System Improvements | $500,000 |
| Darlington, City of | Sewer System Improvements | $500,000 |
| Darlington County Water and Sewer Authority | Water System Improvements | $494,000 |
| Dorchester County Water Authority | Water Line Improvements | $360,000 |
| Elko, Town of | Water System Improvements | $488,207 |
| Fountain Inn, City of | Sewer System Improvements | $500,000 |
| Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority | Drainage and Sewer System Improvements | $500,000 |
| Greenville, City of | Sewer System Improvements | $360,000 |
| Greer Commission of Public Works | Economic Sewer Infrastructure | $500,000 |
| Horry County | Drainage System Upgrade | $229,702 |
| Horry County | Economic Water and Sewer Infrastructure | $300,000 |
| Lamar, Town of | Sewer System Improvements | $500,000 |
| Lancaster, City of | Water Line Improvements | $363,000 |
| Liberty, City of | Sewer System Improvements | $187,200 |
| Liberty-Chesnee-Fingerville Water District | Water Line Improvements | $500,000 |
| Lockhart, Town of | Water Line Improvements | $500,000 |
| Manning, City of | Water System Improvements | $321,420 |
| McCormick County | Water System Improvements | $260,000 |
| Powdersville Water District | Economic Water Infrastructure | $500,000 |
| Surfside Beach, Town of | Drainage System Upgrade | $500,000 |
| Union, City of | Sewer System Improvements | $500,000 |
| Walhalla, City of | Sewer System Improvements | $500,000 |
| Walterboro, City of | Sewer System Improvements | $483,450 |
| Winnsboro, Town of | Water Line Improvements | $409,640 |
