AUDIO: Anne Hazlett, U.S. Deptartment of Agriculture – Rural Development
A government organization is dedicating funding to what one official calls the ?foundation to prosperity in rural communities,? also known as rural infrastructure.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development on Thursday pledged $309 million to electric infrastructure. The investment will fund 16 projects in 12 states, including two Iowa-based projects.
Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett says the announcement will allow rural communities to implement smart grid infrastructure, laying the groundwork for high speed internet.
?We know that – for farmers and ranchers – having connectivity on farms is so important. It?s needed to help run irrigation systems, feeding equipment, get data uploaded from their combine, and access to new markets. It?s really important to modern day agriculture,” Hazlett said.
Farmers Electric Cooperative, in Greenfield, is receiving a $1.4 million loan to invest in smart grid projects. Farmers in the west-central Iowa service area plan to install more than 5,800 single-phase meters and additional meter reading equipment.
The Harrison County REC, in Woodbine, is receiving a $6 million loan. The loan will be used to build 20 miles of electric line, improve 57 miles and make other system improvements. A portion of the funding will be dedicated to smart grid projects.
