USDA Awards $1.4 Billion in Electric Loans
Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer has announced $1.4 billionin loans to build new distribution lines and make system improvements for more than 73,413 new customers and finance the construction and repair of 6,206 miles of distribution line.
"USDA's Rural Development keeps that important connection for lighting the way and powering homes and businesses to millions of rural Americans," Schafer said. "These investments help keep electric cooperatives strong with continued, reliable service."
Loan funds will be used for a variety of upgrades. Eighteen rural electric utilities in 13 states have been selected.
For example, Cullman Electric Cooperative in Cullman, Alabama, has been selected to receive $26.1 million to build 294 miles of new distribution lines and improve 444 miles of existing lines serving approximately 5,687 consumers. The Sewanee Electric Membership Cooperative in Cumming, Georgia, has been selected to receive nearly $160 million to provide 1,462 miles of new distribution lines and make 553 miles of improvements to existing lines in seven counties, providing upgraded service to 25,299 consumers.
Since 2001, USDA Rural Development has awarded approximately $28 billion in electric loans to utilities across the nation.
Funding for individual recipients is contingent upon meeting the conditions of the loan agreement. Loans will be made to the following utilities:
| Borrower | State | Loan Amount |
| Cullman Electric Cooperative | AL | $26,100,000 |
| Central Florida Electric Cooperative, Inc. | FL | $10,747,000 |
| Jefferson Energy Cooperative | GA | $30,000,000 |
| The Little Ocmulgee Electric Membership Cooperative | GA | $13,303,000 |
| Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation | GA | $159,246,000 |
| North Georgia Electric Membership Cooperative | GA | $113,602,000 |
| Glidden Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. | IA | $4,365,000 |
| Southern Iowa Electric Cooperative, Inc. | IA | $10,665,000 |
| East Kentucky Power Cooperative | KY | $276,298,000 |
| East Kentucky Power Cooperative | KY | $457,510,000 |
| The Cooperative Light & Power Association of Lake County | MN | $4,762,000 |
| Missouri Rural Electric Cooperative | MO | $159,246,000 |
| French Broad Electric Membership Corporation | NC, TN | $17,000,000 |
| Darke Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. | OH | $4,350,000 |
| Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. | OH | $18,400,000 |
| Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. | SD | $3,490,000 |
| Bowie-Cass Electric Cooperative, Inc. | TX | $33,490,000 |
| Northern Neck Electric Cooperative | VA | $19,243,000 |
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