Rural Infrastructure Authority awards $6.2 million in first round of FY15 grants

COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has awarded nearly $6.2 million in the first grant round in Fiscal Year 2015 for 20 water and sewer projects in 16 counties across the state. This RIA funding leverages an additional $23.4 million in investments in rural infrastructure improvements.

“The ability to connect to basic necessities like water, wastewater, drainage systems and other public facilities is vital to the success of our rural communities. Each of these projects will create greater sustainability, boost economic development and improve the quality of life for thousands of people all over South Carolina,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt, who also serves as chairman of the RIA’s Board of Directors.

The RIA helps rural communities by providing financial assistance for needed infrastructure improvements that will enhance the quality of life for residents as well as support new and existing businesses. About 1,250 businesses and 9,000 residential customers are expected to benefit from these improvements.

Funds for approved projects will help to address old and severely deteriorated water and sewer lines, expand the infrastructure capacity for sewer treatment plants and water tanks, and provide the necessary upgrades and improvements to ensure that public health and environmental quality standards are met. For example, two projects address emergency needs for treatment facilities that will ensure a safe drinking water supply.

In order to boost the economic development potential in the state’s rural areas, the RIA is also funding infrastructure projects to support four publically owned industrial parks. With infrastructure in place, the site becomes “shovel ready” for new or expanding companies to locate and create much needed jobs.

Grants are awarded through a competitive process that identifies priority needs for improved public health, environmental protection, community sustainability and economic development. Applicants are required to match the RIA funding requests. Applications are selected by the RIA Board based on criteria including: severity of the problem, expected benefits and feasibility of the project. A full list of grant recipients is attached.

A second round of grant applications will be accepted through March 16, 2015 for infrastructure projects that solve public health or environmental quality problems or help to build local capacity to support economic and employment opportunities. To learn more about how to apply, visit www.ria.sc.gov.

S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority FY2015 (Round 1) Grand Recipients

The purpose of the RIA is to support the construction and improvement of rural infrastructure through competitive grants and other assistance. The RIA is governed by a seven member board of directors, and the SC Secretary of Commerce serves as the chairman.