18 Aug South Carolina RIA Grants: $45.8 Million for Community Development
South Carolina communities have a new opportunity to tackle vital infrastructure and economic development needs with the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority’s (RIA) FY 2026 competitive grant program, now open with $45.8 million in available funding.
The funding is divided into three key categories:
- $36 million for basic infrastructure projects (water, sewer, stormwater)
- $8.87 million for economic infrastructure to support job-creating projects
- $1 million for regional planning initiatives
Applications are accepted in two rounds:
- Round 1 Deadline: September 15, 2025
- Round 2 Deadline: March 23, 2026
The program is detailed in RIA’s newly released FY 26 Program Strategy,which outlines eligibility, application criteria, and a new pilot technical assistance initiative aimed at supporting smaller utility systems as they work toward long-term viability.
How Thomas & Hutton Can Help
At Thomas & Hutton, we know that funding is often the catalyst that turns a vision into reality. For nearly three decades, we’ve partnered with communities across South Carolina to bring critical projects to life, guiding them through every stage of the grant process, from application to award to implementation.
Our team has completed:
- 75+ Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects
- 200+ additional state and federal grant-funded initiatives
With in-house grant administrators, engineers, and environmental professionals, we offer single-source accountability and a collaborative team structure across our Southeastern offices. Our goal is to help clients secure funding and deliver lasting infrastructure improvements.
Comprehensive Support for Grant-Funded Projects
Thomas & Hutton offers a full range of services to support clients throughout the entire funding lifecycle. From identifying eligible projects to coordinating agency requirements after award, our team brings both technical expertise and regulatory insight.
We help municipalities and utility providers determine eligibility, develop project justifications, and prepare preliminary cost estimates. Our in-house engineers and environmental professionals prepare the necessary reports and documentation, ensuring applications are complete and competitive.
Throughout the process, we handle technical coordination, respond to agency inquiries, and keep projects on track, so our clients can focus on outcomes, not paperwork.
Our team has helped secure funding through a wide variety of sources, including:
- South Carolina RIA
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
- State Revolving Fund (SRF)
- USDA Rural Development
- FEMA
- Economic Development Administration (EDA)
- ARPA and local programs like LOST
Is Your Community Ready to Apply?
With Round 1 applications due this September, now is the time to assess project readiness and begin the application process. Whether you’re exploring water and sewer upgrades, regional planning needs, or infrastructure to support new job growth, Thomas & Hutton can help you navigate the path forward.
Contact us today to learn more about our engineering services and grant opportunities.
