USDA announces $309 mln in grant funding to improve rural electric infrastructure
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled plans Thursday to invest $309 million in 16 rural electric infrastructure projects that will build or enhance 1,660 miles of electric power systems in 12 states.
USDA Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced the funding during a visit to Central Iowa Power Cooperative in Cedar Rapids. The funds will be administered through the USDA’s Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program, which supports generation, transmission and distribution projects in communities with fewer than 10,000 residents.
“Robust, modern infrastructure is a foundation for quality of life and economic opportunity no matter the zip code in which you live,” Hazlett said. “Under Secretary (Sonny) Perdue’s leadership, USDA is committed to being a strong partner in addressing rural infrastructure needs to support a more prosperous future in rural communities.”
Various electric infrastructure projects in rural Iowa will receive funding. The Farmers Electric Cooperative of Greenfield will receive a $1.4 million loan to invest in smart grid projects. Harrison County REC of Woodbine will receive a $6 million loan to build erect 20 miles of electric line, enhance another 57 miles and make additional system improvements.
The fiscal year 2018 omnibus government spending bill included a total of $6.25 billion for USDA electric loans and directs Perdue to make investments in rural communities with the greatest infrastructure need. Under funding announced last week, communities in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota, and Washington will receive grant funding.
