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Columbia Business Monthly

RIA approves grants for enhancing water, stormwater infrastructure

May 28, 2020 11:13AM ● By David Dykes
Staff Report

The S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority said it has approved grant assistance for 34 projects, totaling more than $14.5 million, to strengthen water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure, bringing the total funds awarded this fiscal year to $25.7 million.

RIA officials said 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, the officials said. 

"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 RIA 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 officials said.
 
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.

Grant recipients for the second round of competitive grants for fiscal year 2020 are: 

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


Chaired by the state 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.

For more information about RIA. or to apply for grant assistance, go to 
www.ria.sc.gov.