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Funding will expand internet access, clean water and electric power for Rural America.

Compiled by staff

December 17, 2021

2 Min Read
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U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Dec. 16 that USDA is investing $5.2 billion to build and improve critical rural infrastructure in 46 states and Puerto Rico. The investments will expand access to high-speed internet, clean water and dependable electric power in rural areas.

“When we invest in rural infrastructure, we invest in the livelihoods and health of people in rural America,” Vilsack said. “The investments we are announcing today will drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably so that everyone gets ahead for decades to come.”

This announcement follows the recent passage of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and reflects the ways USDA Rural Development’s programs are helping people, businesses and communities address critical infrastructure needs.

Project examples

In Georgia, Coweta-Fayette EMC will use a $86 million loan under the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program to build and improve 602 miles of line. This loan will help connect people to reliable electricity in Troup, Clayton, Fulton, Meriwether, Coweta, Fayette, Spalding and Heard counties.

In New York, the Village of Boonville will use $7.37 million under the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to rehabilitate the Mill Creek Interceptor and make improvements to the waste water treatment plant. This project will help improve the health, welfare and safety of the people living in Oneida County.

In Alaska, the Interior Telephone Company will use a $2.6 million Community Connect grant to build a 19-mile Fiber-to-the-Premises system. This system will expand access to economic, educational, health care and public safety opportunities in Port Lions, Kodiak Island Borough. Funds also will help build a community center where residents can access the free high-speed internet for up to two years.

Learn more about the investments and the projects they support here.

Source: USDAwhich is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset. 

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