For Immediate Release
May 28, 2024
RIA awards construction and planning grants
to upgrade critical infrastructure
More than $25 million in grant funding awarded across South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C.— The S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved grant
assistance for 36 projects, totaling more than $25 million in its second round of funding
for fiscal year 2024. These projects will benefit communities in 22 counties, promoting
quality of life, economic opportunity and sustainability across South Carolina. The
agency’s tagline, “we’re here to help,” is exemplified through continued efforts to
meaningfully invest in infrastructure and planning projects for water and wastewater
systems as well as storm water drainage facilities. The total funds awarded by RIA this
fiscal year is over $44 million.
“To ensure all communities and businesses have the opportunity to thrive, we must
address the state’s critical infrastructure needs and plan for long-term viability,” said
Executive Director Bonnie Ammons. “More than 10 years of RIA grants demonstrate the
profound impact that strategic investment and proactive planning have on our
communities as we build a stronger future for all South Carolinians.”
The May 2024 grant awards will be combined with over $46 million in local and other
funds to carry out necessary capital improvements and planning activities that are
expected to benefit more than 200,000 customers, with more than 60% of projects
reaching rural and distressed communities.
Several of the projects funded by these partnerships will create stronger utilities through
regional solutions. Ten projects will address pressing health and environmental
concerns, including some that will also contribute to greater resiliency and storm
protection. Others will improve or replace aging infrastructure that is beyond its useful
life, increase services and capacity for existing and future customers, and support
economic development activities for job creation and retention.
In addition, grant awards will fund 10 planning studies and system assessments that will
explore the technical, operational, and financial conditions of water, sewer and
stormwater systems, evaluate alternative options, and provide recommendations to
achieve greater long-term viability and possible regional solutions.
RIA state grants are generally 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
infrastructure projects by paying for non-construction or other activities and, oftentimes,
providing additional funds for construction.
A list of grant recipients for the second round of competitive grants for fiscal year 2024,
awarded on May 20, 2024, is below. To learn more about RIA or how to apply for grant
assistance, visit www.ria.sc.gov.
Grantee
County
Award Amount
Batesburg-Leesville, Town of
Lexington
$1,000,000
Beaufort County
Beaufort
$187,500
Bennettsville, City of
Marlboro
$150,000
Bishopville, City of
Lee
$1,000,000
Broad Creek Public Service District
Beaufort
$250,000
Broadway Water and Sewerage District
Anderson
$525,275
Central, Town of
Pickens
$1,000,000
Charleston Water System
Charleston
$250,000
Chesterfield County / Chesterfield County Rural Water Company
Chesterfield
$720,185
Chesterfield, Town of
Chesterfield
$907,021
Easley Combined Utilities
Pickens
$600,000
Edgefield County Water & Sewer Authority
Edgefield
$1,000,000
Gaffney, City of
Cherokee
$250,000
Greenville, City of
Greenville
$1,000,000
Greenwood, City of
Greenwood
$250,000
Hammond Water District
Anderson
$850,558
Homeland Park Water and Sewer District
Anderson
$936,704
Horry County / Bucksport Water System
Horry
$1,000,000
Kershaw, Town of
Lancaster
$1,000,000
Lake City, City of
Florence
$1,000,000
Lancaster, City of
Lancaster
$1,000,000
Lodge, Town of
Colleton
$1,000,000
Metropolitan Sewer Subdistrict
Greenville
$1,000,000
New Ellenton Commission of Public Works
Aiken
$568,070
Newberry County Water and Sewer Authority
Newberry
$771,375
North Charleston, City of
Charleston
$654,939
North Charleston, City of
Charleston
$102,750
Orangeburg County
Orangeburg
$250,000
Orangeburg, City of
Orangeburg
$1,000,000
Pageland, Town of
Chesterfield
$250,000
Pickens County / Dacusville-Cedar Rock Water Company
Pickens
$1,000,000
Ravenel, Town of
Charleston
$1,000,000
Seabrook Island Utility Commission
Charleston
$1,000,000
Startex-Jackson-Wellford-Duncan Water District
Spartanburg
$1,000,000
Sumter, City of
Sumter
$250,000
Turbeville, Town of / Barrineau Public Utilities Company
Clarendon
$1,000,000
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 primarily refers to water and
waste water systems as well as stormwater drainage. 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:
Kelly Coakley, CPM
Director of Marketing and Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
