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