Job Creation in Rural America

The USDA recently announced an investment of $2.5 Billion in Rural Electric Infrastructure

These Loans Will Help Create Jobs and Spur Business Growth in 27 States

What do you know about the rural electric infrastructure improvements program? It can help create jobs and support economic development in rural America.

This program is intended to develop and maintain modern, reliable electric infrastructure that businesses and rural communities need in a 21st Century economy. Does your community need one of these loans to help shore up your electric infrastructure? Our firm works with utilities and cooperatives to build new transmission and distribution lines, upgrade networks and facilities, and better manage the power grid. Many communities need these enhancements to be viable participants in new technologies that ensure our safety and access to power. The loans are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Electric Program, which is the successor to the Rural Electrification Administration.

As an example of some of the programs supported; one of the USDA awards is an $18.3 million loan to the Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative (Espanola, N.M.) to build 58 miles, improve 28 miles of line and make other system improvements. In addition to this Jemez will use $7 million for smart grid improvements.

In Oregon, the Harney Electric Cooperative is receiving an $11.7 million USDA loan to build 53 miles of line and make other system improvements. The Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative in Portola, Calif., will receive a $14.2 million loan to improve 44 miles of transmission and distribution line, build one mile and make other system improvements.

The Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative in Dade City, Fla., is receiving a $130 million loan to build 297 miles, improve 66 miles of line and make other system improvements. The loan includes $1.4 million for smart grid projects.

Smart grid includes technological enhancements such as metering, substation automation, computer applications, two-way communications and geospatial information systems to help utilities increase the reliability and efficiency of electric power systems. These loans typically provide strong support for these types of projects, This year they supported $127 million for smart grid projects.

Three North Carolina companies – Gamble Solar, LLC; Wadesboro Solar; and Salisbury Solar – are receiving a total of $14.1 million to build solar photovoltaic energy farms in various parts of the state.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information and grant and loan assistance please contact us at kcarter@grantmanagementassoc.com or find relevant material on the USDA website; www.rd.usda.gov