U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Dr. Tom Carew today announced over $110.5 million in federal funding to help rural Kentucky.
The four projects announced today will help improve electric and water infrastructure across rural Kentucky.
“The Biden-Harris administration remains steadfastly committed to improving infrastructure in rural Kentucky,” said Carew. “The projects I’m announcing today will help ensure rural Kentuckians have access to reliable, affordable energy and clean drinking water. As we continue to see the increased effects of climate change, resilient power grids and strong water infrastructure are even more critical to building resilient rural communities.”
Salt River RECC will use a $45 million guaranteed loan to connect 5,450 consumers and build and improve 322 miles of line. This project includes approximately $6 million in smart grid technologies. Salt River Electric Cooperative Corporation is headquartered in Bardstown, Kentucky, and serves over 56,000 customers through 10 counties in central Kentucky.
Jackson Purchase Energy Corporation will use a $57 million guaranteed loan to connect 1,440 customers and build and improve 118 miles of line. This project includes over $11.5 million in smart grid technologies including 105 miles of fiber installation. Jackson Purchase Energy Corporation is headquartered in in Paducah, Kentucky, and serves approximately 30,000 customers throughout six counties in southwestern Kentucky.
East Laurel Water District will use a $2,3 million loan and a $664,000 grant to upgrade 30,000 linear feet of water line and a pump station, as well as add one new pump station, two master meter stations, 100,000-gallon water storage tank and 70 customer reconnects. These upgrades will alleviate maintenance costs and provide increased capacity resulting in improved overall system operations. This project will serve about 15,500 people.
Wood Creek Water District (Laurel County) will use a $3.9 million loan and a $1.5 million grant to improve and rehabilitate their water treatment plant. The improvements consist of two new screw presses, a new settlement pond, a new dichlorination device and water tank rehabilitation. The improvements and rehabilitation will help lower maintenance and operation costs, increase energy efficiency, and ensure the quality of the drinking water. This project will serve about 4,500 people.
During the Biden-Harris administration, USDA Rural Development has supported economic prosperity and quality of life improvements in rural Kentucky by obligating over $3.6 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.