WASHINGTON - Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley announced that USDA is providing $858 million in loans to upgrade rural electric systems in 17 states.

The funding also includes $64 million to finance smart grid technologies that improve system operations and monitor grid security.

USDA is investing in 17 projects through the Electric Loan Program in Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia. This funding will help build and improve 3,741 miles of line to improve electric reliability and resilience in rural areas.

"Investing in our nation's electric infrastructure powers our economy, creates jobs and helps deliver services such as education, training and health care to build stronger rural communities," Baxley said. "These loans will help rural electric cooperatives generate and distribute power to keep systems reliable and affordable for those who live and work in rural areas."

Source: USDA