WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that USDA is investing $181 million to upgrade rural electric systems in 10 states.

The funding includes $7.7 million to finance smart grid technologies that improve system operations and monitor grid security.

The financing will support 12 projects in Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin through the Electric Loan Program. The funding will help build and improve 1,354 miles of line to improve electric reliability and resilience in rural areas.

USDA will make additional funding announcements in coming weeks.

Congress appropriated $5.5 billion for USDA's Electric Loan Program in fiscal year 2019.

Source: USDA