WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is investing $1.4 billion in T&D projects in 21 states to help build and improve rural electric infrastructure.

The financing will help build and improve 6,886 miles of transmission and distribution line to strengthen reliability in rural areas.

The loans also include $255.8 million for investments in smart grid infrastructure that uses digital communications technology to detect faults and react to local changes in electricity usage.

Among the loans, Georgia’s Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is receiving $229 million to connect 25,650 customers and build and improve 1,275 miles of distribution line to enhance system resilience and reliability.

To see the full list of beneficiaries of this funding, click here.

Source: USDA