U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Dr. Tom Carew today announced two infrastructure investments totaling over $62.6 million.
The electric and water infrastructure investments will benefit over 7,000 rural Kentuckians.
“Investing in critical infrastructure is foundational to rural prosperity,” said Carew. “These investments will help build a more resilient power grid and ensure safe drinking water for thousands who call rural Kentucky home. The Biden-Harris administration is a champion of rural America and is committed to ensuring those who live and work in rural Kentucky have every opportunity to succeed right at home.”
Owen Electric Cooperative Inc. will use a $60 million investment from the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program to connect 3,237 consumers as well as build and improve 134 miles of line. This project includes $3,773,009 in smart grid technologies.
The city of Mt. Vernon will use a $1.8 million grant and an $864,000 loan through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to renovate and upgrade the water treatment plant. This investment will help reduce algae blooms and increase water quality, and it will allow improvements necessary for plant operation. This investment will improve water quality for about 4,400 users.
These projects are part of a national tranche of investments totaling over $671 million to support projects in 23 states that will lower electric bills for rural families and businesses, while ensuring they have access to clean water. In addition to Kentucky, funding in today’s announcement will help people living in Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and West Virginia.
During the Biden-Harris administration, USDA Rural Development has supported economic prosperity and quality of life improvements in rural Kentucky by obligating almost $3.3 billion. 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, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ky.