Rural Impact Fund Grant Program (RIF)

The Rural Impact Grant Fund (RIF) provides funding for publicly owned infrastructure needs. Funding from this program can be used by Rural Communities to assist with the location or expansion of businesses. Usage of the funds must be directly related to the construction, renovation or expansion of industry.

Examples of eligible projects include:

• Building (Purchase, construction, or rehabilitation)
• Water Improvements
• Sewer Improvements
• Drainage Improvements
• Transportation facilities directly affecting the site, including roads, bridges, rail lines, or pipelines
• Land Improvements
• Marine Structures
• Energy facilities (Power Generation and Distribution)
• Any other project approved by Mississippi Development Authority

Program Facts

Job creation is the goal of the Rural Impact Fund Grant Program. Industries that are eligible under this program and which must create ten new full-time jobs include:

• Manufacturers
• Warehouses and distribution centers
• Research and development facilities
• Telecommunications and data processing facilities
• National or regional headquarters

A Rural Community is defined as a municipality with a population of 10,000 or less or a county with a population of 30,000 or less according to the most recent federal decennial census at the time the application is submitted. The Rural Community must apply on behalf of a new or expanded industry based on the public infrastructure needs of the project. The Rural Impact Fund Grant Program provides for a maximum grant amount of $150,000 per project.

For further details, see Section 57-85-1, MS Code 1972, Annotated.

Rural Impact Forms available for download in Word 97-2003 

Program Guidelines
Proposal  
Project Information Package 
Sample Memorandum of Agreement
Resolution

Rural Impact Forms available for download in Excel

Request for Cash

PDF Document available for download

RIF Project Sign

Upon review of the proposal MDA may issue a letter inviting a RIF application. The letter will state the amount of RIF funds that can be applied for and the requirements. An application will be made available to you at that time.

For more information:
Community Services Division
Mississippi Rural Impact Program
Telephone: 601.359.3179
Fax: 601.359.3108
Hearing Impaired may contact us at 601-359-3119 (TTY)
community@mississippi.org

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