HURON, S.D., April 22, 2021 – Today, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting State Director Hally Witte announced that Charles Mix Electric has been selected to receive Electric Loan Program funding of $8,609,000 for rural electric infrastructure improvements.
“Economic development and growth in rural America are central to USDA’s mission,” said Witte. “We are pleased to assist Charles Mix Electric with building and expanding electric infrastructure. The Electric provides services to 2,552 consumers over 1,310 miles of line in Bon Homme, Brule, Charles Mix and Douglas counties in South Dakota.”
Charles Mix Electric is headquartered in Lake Andes, SD. The federal funding will be used to connect 92 consumers and build and improve 84 miles of line and construct a headquarters facility.
Witte’s announcement is in coordination with the recent announcement made in honor of Earth Day 2021 where Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced that the USDA is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship. USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Electric Loan Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
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Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.