Funding Will Improve Access to a Clean, Reliable Electric Grid and Safe Drinking Water for Millions in Rural and Tribal Communities
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Dec. 10, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)Rural Development North Carolina State Director Reginald Speight announced USDA is investing $48.7 million in rural and Tribal communities across the Tar Heel State to expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid, provide safe drinking water and create good-paying jobs today.
“The Biden-Harris Administration invests in rural America, because we know strong communities are rooted in their people,” Speight said. “These investments will build modern infrastructure that will attract employers to the nation’s smallest towns and most remote communities, creating jobs, vibrant Main Streets, and lasting economic growth for the people who live there.”
Delivering Clean, Reliable Energy
The USDA Electric Infrastructure Loan & Loan Guarantee Program makes insured loans and loan guarantees to nonprofit and cooperative associations, public bodies, and other utilities.
In Rutherford County Rutherford EMC will utilize a $44 million USDA Electric Infrastructure Loan to connect 4,081 consumers and build 162 miles of electrical line.
Strengthening Rural Water Infrastructure
The USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.
In Hertford County Millennium Water Association will utilize a $150 thousand USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loan to provide financing for construction for a new well. The new well will benefit 285 rural residents.
In Watauga County the town of Blowing Rock will utilize a $4.5 million USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loan to improve the town’s water and sewer system. The upgrades consist of replacement of flocculators, high service pumps, valves, piping, bolts, a finished water pump, and turbidimeters.
USDA is also investing $81 thousand in grant funds expand access to clean and reliable drinking water, sanitary waste disposal and storm water drainage the USDA Solid Waste Management Grants program.
This program reduces or eliminates pollution of water resources by providing funding for organizations that provide technical assistance or training to improve the planning and management of solid waste sites.
In Buncombe County the Land of Sky Regional Council will utilize a $81 thousand USDA Solid Waste Management Grant to address key solid waste recycling and assistance issues facing local businesses and communities.
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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