U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Dr. Tom Carew today announced funding for two electric infrastructure projects totaling over $147.7 million.
“We’re committed to helping rural electric cooperatives build a cleaner more sustainable future that lowers energy costs while creating jobs and economic prosperity,” said Carew. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration, Rural Development continues to support strengthening rural infrastructure, and these projects will help make our electrical grid more reliable and more secure.”
West KY Electric will use a $25,000,000 electric infrastructure loan to connect 3,133 consumers, and build and improve 94 miles of line. This loan includes $4,347,015 in smart grid technologies including 22 miles of fiber, which is being installed overhead in existing right of way. West Kentucky RECC provides electric service to more than 40,128 consumers over more than 4,218 miles of line in six counties in western Kentucky. West Kentucky RECC is headquartered in Mayfield, Kentucky.
Big Rivers Electric Corporation will use a $122,765,000 loan to provide financing relief through the Consumer Oriented Operating Loan Program. Big Rivers is headquartered in Henderson, Kentucky, and serves power needs of approximately 118,000 consumers in 22 western Kentucky counties.
During the Biden-Harris administration, USDA Rural Kentucky has obligated over $3.1 billion to support economic prosperity and quality of life improvements in rural Kentucky. 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.