Natchez Democrat
USDA announces Southwest Electric Co-Op will receive $33 million in loans for projects
By Staff Reports
WASHINGTON D.C — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the Department is investing $2.7 billion to help 64 electric cooperatives and utilities to expand and modernize the nation’s rural electric grid and increase grid security. Southwest Electric Co-Op in Mississippi will receive $33,070,000 in loans for projects.
“These critical investments will benefit rural people and businesses in many ways for decades to come,” Vilsack said. “This funding will help rural cooperatives and utilities invest in changes that make our energy more efficient, more reliable, and more affordable. Investing in infrastructure – roads, bridges, broadband and energy – supports good-paying jobs and keeps the United States poised to lead the global economy.”
Constituents of Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith and Representatives Michael Guest and Bennie Thompson will see the funding applied to electric projects.