USDA to provide $868M to upgrade rural electric systems

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide $858 million in loans to upgrade rural electric systems in 17 states.

The funding program, called the Electric Loan Program, will help build and improve 3,741 miles of line to improve electric reliability in rural areas. It also includes $64 million to finance smart grid technologies.

“Investing in our nation’s electric infrastructure powers our economy, creates jobs and helps deliver services such as education, training, and health care to build stronger rural communities,” Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley said. “These loans will help rural electric cooperatives generate and distribute power to keep systems reliable and affordable for those who live and work in rural areas.”

The 17 targeted projects are in Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Among the projects, the Carroll Electric Cooperative in Berryville, Ark., is receiving a $263 million loan to improve electric grid reliability and security for 998 miles of transmission and distribution line. The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority will also receive a $94 million loan to provide renewable energy to commercial and residential consumers in the Navajo Nation near Kayenta, Ariz.

President Donald Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in April 2017 to identify legislative, regulatory, and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. Among their recommendations, the Task Force called for increasing investments in rural infrastructure.