Rural Indiana Utilities Receive USDA Funding

Indiana is one of 10 states which will receive federal funding in the form of loans to upgrade rural electric systems. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it will distribute $181 million for infrastructure upgrades.

USDA’s Rural Utilities Service says the funding will help build and improve more than 1,300 miles of power lines to improve electric reliability in rural areas in those states.

In Indiana, USDA says Corydon-based Harrison REMC will receive $15.5 million in loans to connect 1,445 new customers, build 78 new miles and improve 122 miles of electric distribution lines. The electric cooperative serves 23,000 customers in five southwest Indiana counties.

Meanwhile in a separate USDA funding program, the city of Princeton will receive $8.5 million to improve its wastewater treatment plan.  The money comes from the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program which helps rural towns to improve drinking water and wastewater removal.