RIA Approves Grants For Enhancing Water, Sewer and Stormwater Infrastructure

November 11, 2019

NEWS RELEASE
November 5, 2019

RIA approves grants for enhancing water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure
More than $10 million in grant funding awarded

COLUMBIA, S.C.- The S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved grant assistance for 24 projects, totaling more than $10.8 million. Recognizing that the investments made today will offer long-term sustainability, these projects will help strengthen and improve water, sewer and storm water infrastructure capacity, serving residential and business customers across the state.

"Our mission is to work in partnership with communities to make them stronger and more sustainable by investing in their infrastructure foundation," said executive director Bonnie Ammons. "Such investments will help maintain health and environmental standards for residents and open the door to new economic opportunities."

Representing 19 counties, the scope of work for these funded projects ranges from extending sewer to serve existing and expanding industries to the construction of a new well to restore water production capacity. Drainage issues are also being addressed in an effort to reduce the impact of storm-related events. For other communities, upgrades to water lines, pump stations and elevated storage tanks will ensure long-lasting reliable service. In total, more than 18,000 residential and business customers will benefit from these funded projects.  

RIA grants are awarded twice a year through a competitive process that considers the need for improved public health, environmental protection, community sustainability through regionalization 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 to date for fiscal year 2020 is below. To learn more about RIA or how to apply for grant assistance, visit www.ria.sc.gov.

Cheraw, Town of
Water System Improvements
$187,000

Chester County Wastewater Recovery
Economic Sewer Infrastructure
$500,000

Denmark, City of
Water System Improvements
$1,650,000

Dillon County
Economic Sewer Infrastructure
$300,000

Dillon, City of
Water Tank Improvements
$479,500

Edgefield County Water and Sewer Authority
Water Line Upgrades
$227,024

Fort Mill, Town of
Sewer System Improvements
$500,000

Georgetown, City of
Water Tank Improvements
$341,438

Gray Court, Town of
Water Line Upgrades
$500,000

Greenville Water
Water Line Upgrades
$500,000

Hilda, Town of
Water System Improvements
$356,507

Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission
Sewer Line Upgrades
$500,000

Lancaster County
Economic Infrastructure - Drainage
$500,000

Lancaster County Water and Sewer District
Water Line Upgrades
$470,000

Lowcountry Regional Water System
Water Tank Improvements
$402,000

Lowcountry Regional Water System
Economic Sewer Infrastructure
$250,000

Manning, City of
Water System Improvements
$465,000

MetroConnects
Economic Sewer Infrastructure
$376,922

Myrtle Beach, City of
Sewer Line Upgrades
$500,000

North Augusta, City of
Drainage System Upgrade
$300,000

Rural Community Water District of Georgetown County
Water Tank Improvements
$198,000

Startex-Jackson-Wellford-Duncan Water District
Water Line Upgrades
$500,000

Sullivan's Island, Town of
Sewer System Improvements
$500,000

Westminster, City of
Sewer Line Upgrades
$340,000

About S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority 
The S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) was created to help communities with financing for qualified infrastructure projects. Infrastructure refers to water and waste water systems as well as storm water drainage and other public facilities. Chaired by the Secretary of Commerce, the RIA is governed by a board of directors, including six members who reside in or represent distressed and/or least developed counties.

Media Contact:
Alex Clark, CMP
Director of Marketing & Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
aclark@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com

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S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority
ria.sc.gov
(803) 737-0390
info@ria.sc.gov
1201 Main Street, Suite 1600
Columbia, S.C. 29201