WASHINGTON (CBS19 NEWS) — Billions in funding will help rural communities in 44 states, including Virginia, expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid and safe drinking water and create jobs.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a $6.3 billion investment on Tuesday.
“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,” Vilsack said.
Across the country, more than 200 projects will be financed to strengthen infrastructure in rural places.
Part of the funding will help utility providers and electric cooperatives build and improve electric infrastructure and smart-grid technologies in 23 states.
The Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program will use $5.7 billion of the funding for projects in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Two electric cooperatives that serve this area are getting some of the funding.
The Rappahannock Electric Cooperative is getting $293 million to connect more than 11,300 consumers and build or improve 880 miles of line.
The loan includes nearly $160 million in smart grid technologies and the project will include about 2,800 miles of backbone fiber.
And the Central Virginia Electric Cooperative is getting $70 million to connect nearly 3,1009 consumers and build or improve 527 miles of lines.
The loan includes more than $36.6 million in smart grid technologies.
Another $642 million investment is going to expand access to clean and reliable drinking water, sanitary waste disposal, and storm drainage in 41 states.
To see the full list of funding recipients, click here.
