AR Rural Electric Project Wins USDA Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is investing $122 million to expand and upgrade rural electric systems in Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Oklahoma and South Dakota. The funding includes more than $7 million to finance smart grid technologies to improve system operations and monitor grid security.

Seven projects are being supported through funds from USDA’s Electric Loan Program. The loans will help build or improve 964 miles of line to benefit more than 6,200 business and residential customers, and one of those awards is destined for western Arkansas.

Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Mena, Ark., will receive a $20 million loan for work in counties that straddle the Oklahoma-Arkansas border. More than 50 percent of Rich Mountain’s service territory is located within Ouachita National Forest land and the loan will be used to help build or improve 89 miles of rural line.

“Modern and reliable electric infrastructure is foundational to building prosperity in rural America,” said Secretary Baxley in announcing the awards. “USDA is committed to being a strong partner in improving this essential infrastructure.”

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 facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

Further details of all of the announced awards can be found at:

https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/USDARDElectricLoansNRChart_02-28-19.pdf