Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today (Thursday) announced that USDA is investing $1.6 billion in 46 rural electric utility infrastructure projects to improve electric reliability and resilience in 24 states. Among the projects is the Western Iowa Power Cooperative, which is receiving $9-million in a Rural Development Incentive to add 22-miles of line, improve 104-miles and make other system improvements, including $2.8-million for smart grid technologies. WIPC serves more than 5-thousand residential and commercial consumers in an area that is primarily agricultural, including grain farming, corn processing and meat process plants, as well as poultry and other livestock operations.

Secretary Hazlett said “Reliable and affordable power is an underpinning for economic development and quality of life. Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA is committed to being a strong partner in building prosperity in rural communities through the sustainment and modernization of rural electric infrastructure.”

The 46 projects are being funded through USDA’s Electric Program. Officials say the investments will help contribute to a stronger rural electric system by improving operations and reliability. USDA’s funding will help build or improve 5,833 miles of line. It includes $307 million in smart grid technologies, which improve system operations and monitor grid security. The investments will benefit 7 million rural business and residential electric consumers across the country.