U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing an additional $3.1 billion to build or improve rural electric infrastructure in 25 states, and he highlighted a record level of funding for fiscal year (FY) 2020 to upgrade infrastructure.
“Working and accessible rural electric infrastructure is a cornerstone to prosperity in America’s heartland,” Secretary Perdue said. “This critical funding reflects President Trump’s commitment to increasing prosperity across all of rural America and ensures this major infrastructure network remains reliable for the millions of Americans who depend on it every day.”
USDA is investing in 53 projects through the Electric Loan Program. In Colorado, K.C. Electric Association will use a $9.7 million loan to connect six consumers and build and improve 49 miles of line. “This loan includes $1.3 million in smart grid technologies. K.C. Electric Association, headquartered in Hugo, Colo., serves approximately 6,500 members over 3,067 miles in Colorado,” said USDA Rural Development Colorado State Director Sallie Clark. “Smart grid technology is a great tool to help conserve energy, reduce costs, and increase stability and efficiency,” said Clark.
Today’s announcement is part of a record level of USDA electric infrastructure investments in one fiscal year. The department invested $6.3 billion in the Electric Loan Program in FY 2020, up from $5.8 billion in 2019 – also a record. Helping improve rural electric infrastructure is a significant part of the Trump administration’s “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. USDA’s Electric Program helps finance wind, solar and natural gas plants, as well as improvements to produce clean energy from coal-fired plants. Local utilities also use the loans to invest in infrastructure to deliver affordable power to thousands of residential, commercial and agricultural consumers.
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/co.