U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Hilda Legg today announced the USDA is investing over $313.4 million to help build and improve rural electric infrastructure in Kentucky.
"Big Rivers Electric Corporation and East Kentucky Power Cooperative should be commended for their dedication to their customers," said Legg. "As it has for over 80 years, Rural Development remains dedicated to helping our partners improve electric infrastructure and provide safe and reliable electricity in rural Kentucky."
Big Rivers Electric Corporation
A $160.48 million loan will be used to build and improve 34 miles of transmission line. These improvements will enhance capacity and ensure greater reliability of service to rural communities. Big Rivers, headquartered in Henderson, Kentucky, serves more than 117,000 residential and commercial customers in 22 Kentucky counties.
East Kentucky Power Cooperative Inc.
A $152.98 million will be used to make transmission system improvements and build 34 miles of transmission line to enhance system reliability. Eastern Kentucky Power generates wholesale electricity and provides bulk transmission services to 16 distribution member cooperatives who serve more than 1 million Kentuckians.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB). 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.