Funding Will Improve Access to a Clean, Reliable Electric Grid and Safe Drinking Water for Millions in Rural and Tribal Communities
RALEIGH, North Carolina., Oct. 2, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced USDA is investing $221 million in four projects in North Carolina to expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid, safe drinking water and good-paying jobs for people in rural and Tribal communities today.
Part of the funding announced today will make water infrastructure in rural areas of the Tar Heel State more resilient to the impacts of climate change and severe weather.
“Americans everywhere need access to a resilient power grid and strong water infrastructure that will ensure they don’t lose power or access to clean water during extreme weather events,” said Rural Development North Carolina State Director Reginald Speight. “Through these projects, USDA is better positioning rural America to compete in a global economy, while ensuring people who live and work in these communities have every opportunity to succeed right at home.”
The investments advance President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the American economy from the middle out and bottom up.
“Since day one, the Biden-Harris Administration and USDA have taken action to create good-paying jobs by making sure every community can benefit from safe drinking water and a reliable electric grid that lowers bills for hardworking families,” Torres Small said.
Strengthening Rural Water Infrastructure
In Granville County, South Granville Water and Sewer Authority will utilize a $35 million USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loan to provide financial assistance for sewer improvements and transmission main replacement.
Nationwide, USDA is investing $443 million today through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program to expand access to clean and reliable drinking water, sanitary waste disposal and storm water drainage for people in 24 states.
More than $30 million of today’s investments will help utilities rebuild and strengthen water infrastructure after facing natural disasters and severe weather in California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Montana, New York, Oklahoma and Texas.
The agency is helping state and local governments, private nonprofits and federally recognized Tribes build or improve rural wastewater systems.
Delivering Clean, Reliable Energy
USDA is also providing $186 million in funding through the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program to help utility providers and electric cooperatives build and improve electric infrastructure and smart-grid technologies in North Carolina.
These projects will help ensure everyone in rural areas has access to reliable electricity to increase economic opportunity and improve quality of life.
For example:
- North Carolina EMC will use a $79 million USDA Electric Infrastructure Loan to assist with generation system improvements.
- Piedmont EMC will use a $72 million USDA Electric Infrastructure Loan to connect 1,919 consumers and build and improve 186 miles of powerline.
- Surry-Yadkin EMC will use a $35 million USDA Electric Infrastructure Loan to build and improve more than 200 miles of powerline that will connect nearly 2,000 consumers to reliable electricity.
Funding will benefit Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA 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 healthcare; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under 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.
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