TEMPLE, TX, June 22, 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $40 million to build or improve rural electric infrastructure in Texas.
“Reliable and modern 21st century infrastructure, including electric infrastructure and smart grid technologies, is a cornerstone for prosperity in rural America,” Secretary Perdue said. “Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural communities in building their futures.”
Background:
USDA is providing loans and loan guarantees to rural electric cooperatives and utilities through the Electric Loan Program. The recipients will use the funds to build and improve 9,138 miles of electric transmission and distribution line, benefiting 1 million rural residents and businesses. The loans include nearly $386 million for investments in smart grid technology, which uses digital communications to detect and react to local changes in electricity usage.
In Texas, United Cooperative Services will use a $40 million loan to install 679 miles of fiber-optic cable to provide a backbone communications network for Smart Grid to improve reliability and grid communication. United, headquartered in Cleburne, Texas, serves approximately 85,300 members over almost 10,600 miles of line in 16 counties.
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.
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