Simpsonville awarded $10M grant for sewer system rehab

Rural Infrastructure Authority grants $9,997,625 for Lower Reedy Basin Sanitary Sewer rehab project

Simpsonville, S.C. — The City of Simpsonville has been awarded a nearly $10 million grant from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) to rehabilitate the Simpsonville sewer system.

After the City submitted a grant application to the S.C. Infrastructure Investment Program for the Lower Reedy Basin Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, the RIA granted the City $9,997,625. Simpsonville City Administrator Dianna Gracely said completion of the rehab project will be a benefit to both Simpsonville residents and the Upstate at large.

“In receiving almost $10 million in grant funding from the Rural Infrastructure Authority, the City of Simpsonville will greatly improve its sewer infrastructure, which has exceeded its useful life,” Gracely said. “At no cost to Simpsonville taxpayers, the City is prioritizing a project that will lead to greater sustainability in the Upstate, address environment quality issues, facilitate continued growth in Greenville County and provide reliable and resilient infrastructure to Simpsonville residents. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The Lower Reedy Basin Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project will rehabilitate deteriorating clay sewer pipes and brick manholes that were installed more than half a century ago. Identified by ReWa as high priority, the downstream sewers in the basin are overloading from inflow and infiltration during rain, resulting in backups, harmful pressure and sewer overflow. The project also addresses root intrusions and structural problems.

“The Lower Reedy Basin sanitary sewer rehab project is important for the City of Simpsonville and surrounding areas and an overall good for the sewer systems in Greenville County,” Gracely said.

For more information, contact Simpsonville Community Relations Specialist Justin Lee Campbell at jcampbell@simpsonville.com.

S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority: The S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority was established in 2012 to assist communities with financing for qualified infrastructure projects for water and wastewater systems as well as storm water drainage facilities. Although RIA initially offered grants for projects in rural and distressed counties, the programs were expanded to make grant and loan assistance available statewide. By providing grant and loan financing options, as well as training, technical assistance and funding coordination, RIA efforts are designed to build local capacity and position communities for success.