Albemarle EMC Gets Rural Electric Infrastructure Loan To Upgrade Electric Lines Print
Local Government
By Administrator   
Wednesday, 24 April 2019 12:13
The USDA is investing $485 million across 15 states, including North Carolina, to upgrade rural electric systems and reduce energy costs. The funding includes nearly $7.1 million for smart grid technologies that improve system operations and monitor grid security.
 
Albemarle Electric Membership Corporation in Hertford received $15 million to build or improve 41 miles of line serving nearly 13,000 residential and industrial consumers. These funds will also be used for smart grid technologies to help Albemarle better manage the electric grid, improve operational efficiencies and manage loads, such as during peak demand. Albemarle serves five counties in northeast North Carolina.
 
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.
 
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.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 April 2019 12:25