Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced that USDA is investing $309 million in 16 projects to improve rural electric infrastructure in 12 states.
FEM Electric Association will receive a $6,032,000 grant to build 58 miles of line, improve 77 miles and make other system improvements.
The loans are being made through USDA’s Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee program. It helps finance generation, transmission and distribution projects; system improvements; and energy conservation projects in communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.
The FEM Electric loan includes $352,000 for smart grid projects for computer applications, two-way communications, geospatial information systems and other tools to increase the reliability and efficiency of electric power systems.
The investments will build or improve 1,660 miles of electric line serving rural homes, farms and businesses. USDA is funding infrastructure improvements for utilities in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota and Washington.
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; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov .
ANNUAL MEETING
The FEM Electric Association annual meeting is Thursday, June 21. The registration and free meal is served at 5 p.m. in the Ipswich High School.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. There is a special kids’ program during the business meeting also.
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