Funding Opportunity: RIA Grant Applications Due Sept. 15
Local governments, special purpose and public service districts, and public works commissions may apply for Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) grants. Assistance is available for a variety of water, waste water and storm water drainage construction activities. The upcoming deadline for RIA Basic and Economic Infrastructure grants is Sept. 15.
Some helpful tools from RIA include:
- The FY 2026 grant application
- A video covering RIA's state grants and application
- A utility viability tool and overview video of the self-assessment
- RIA's grant manager contacts by region
RIA this summer announced the availability of more than $45 million in competitive grant funds for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2025. RIA developed an FY 26 Program Strategy which details the funding available, eligible applicants, program criteria and due dates for application. Additionally, RIA has developed a pilot technical assistance and improvement program designed to help smaller utilities move toward greater viability. The Program Strategy is available for review on the RIA website.