The Trump Administration, along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Iowa Grant Menke, today announced that the USDA is investing $8 million to build and improve critical electric infrastructure in rural Iowa.
“Infrastructure modernization and improvement is essential to the future of rural Iowa communities, and this significant USDA Electric Loan Program investment will make a lasting positive impact in south central Iowa,” said State Director Menke. “USDA Rural Development is proud to partner with rural electric cooperatives and other stakeholders to provide reliable, efficient, affordable electricity – a key component of enhancing economic opportunities and improving quality of life for all rural Iowans.”
Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative is headquartered in Albia, Iowa, and serves approximately 6,047 members over nearly 1,348 miles of line throughout seven (7) counties in south central Iowa. This $8 million Electric Loan Program loan will be used to connect 204 consumers to electric infrastructure, build and improve 77 miles of line, and invest $33,000 in smart grid technology, which uses digital communications to detect and react to local changes in electricity usage.
Background:
Today’s announcement comes as part of a larger statement in which the Trump Administration announced that USDA is investing $371 million to build and improve critical electric infrastructure that will benefit more than 222,000 rural residents and commercial customers in 11 states.
“These investments will improve electric service by connecting more consumers, building and improving lines, and modernizing power grids in rural communities,” USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner to rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ia.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development office.
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