The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) is the appointed board that awards Rural, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Utility Account grant funds. The RIA consists of 17 members who are appointed as follows:

• The Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary's designee, as an ex officio member;
• Four members appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and they shall each represent a Tier 1 or Tier 2 county;
• Four members appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and they shall each represent a Tier 1 or Tier 2 county; and
• Eight members appointed by the Governor, and they shall each represent a Tier 1 or Tier 2 county.

Specific powers and duties of the Rural Infrastructure Authority are identified in General Statute 143B-472.128.