US Department of Agriculture to invest $398.5M to improve rural electric service in 13 states
Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $398.5 million to improve rural electric service across 13 states.
“Reliable and affordable electricity is undeniably a necessity in today’s world,” Hazlett said. “Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA is committed to being a strong partner in keeping our rural communities connected to this essential infrastructure.”
The USDA will make the investments through the Electric Infrastructure Loan Program. The projects will take place in Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. The investments include approximately $43.7 million for smart grid technology.
The loans include $47.7 million for Southside Electric Cooperative in Virginia to add 2,578 customers, construct 136 miles of line and make other improvements. The loans include $269,536 for smart grid projects.
Marshall County REMC in Indiana will receive a $9.5 million loan to construct 11 miles of line, improve 59 miles of line and make other system improvements. The loan amount includes more than $5 million for smart grid projects.
Colorado’s San Miguel Power Association will receive an $11 million loan to build 205 miles of line, improve 47 miles and make other improvements. The loan amount includes $571,654 for smart grid projects.
