LINCOLN, Neb., Dec. 20, 2024 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting State Director Joan Scheel today announced an award for $200 million in clean energy investments through the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. Nebraska Electric G&T will use the funding to support jobs, lower electricity costs for businesses and families, and reduce climate pollution.
“We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for Nebraskans,” Scheel said. “We are thrilled to partner with Nebraska Electric G&T to strengthen energy security and reduce costs for families, farmers, and small business owners in rural Nebraska.”
USDA is awarding $4.37 billion in loans and grants to cooperatives based in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Texas. The investments will support at least 5,000 jobs and reduce climate pollution by over 11 million tons each year.
In Nebraska:
- Nebraska Electric G&T will use a $200 million investment to procure 725 megawatts of wind and solar energy in Butler, Burt and Custer counties. The project will supply enough electricity to power 170,000 homes each year, reduce climate pollution by over 2.2 million tons per year and support as many as 425 jobs.
Additional details on all funding recipients and selectees are available on the New ERA website.
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 health care; 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.
Contact USDA Rural Development in Nebraska
Information on programs administered through USDA Rural Development in Nebraska is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/ne, contacting your local Rural Development office, or by following @RD_Nebraska on X.
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Rural Development offices in Nebraska: https://tinyurl.com/yc7pfytn
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