USDA to invest more than $345 mln to improve electric service in rural areas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Monday that it will be investing $345.5 million in 20 infrastructure projects to improve rural electric service throughout the United States.
“Delivering reliable and affordable electricity to power rural America will help lay the groundwork for increased rural prosperity and economic opportunity,” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said. “USDA is partnering with rural electric utilities and cooperatives so they can continue to invest in infrastructure improvements to provide electric power to those who live and work in rural areas.”
The investments are being made through the Electric Infrastructure Loan Program, which is designed to help finance system improvements and energy conservation projects in communities with 10,000 or fewer residents. The loans include $7.9 million for the implementation of smart grid technology, such as computer applications, two-way communications, geospatial information systems, and other tools.
One of the organizations the USDA is funding is Colorado’s San Isabel Electric Association, which will receive a $15.8 million loan to build 63 miles of line and improve 143 miles of line. It includes $752,021 for smart grid projects. Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation will receive a $61.2 million loan to build 302 miles of line and improve 110 miles in Georgia with $64,000 going toward smart grid projects.
In all, the investments will be made in 14 states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.