USDA Loan to Support Southern Indiana Utility

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue (file photo)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding $276 million in loans to support rural electric infrastructure improvement projects throughout the country. The funding includes a $74 million loan to the Jackson County Rural Electric Membership Corp. in Brownstown.

The REMC will use the funds to build 60 miles of new line and improve 10 miles of existing line, as well as make other system improvements. The loan includes more than $59 million for smart grid technology projects to help the utility reduce outages and integrate new systems. 

The Jackson County REMC serves more than 26,000 customers in 10 southern Indiana counties.

"Investing in our nation’s electric infrastructure is fundamental for rural economic growth," said USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. "USDA’s longstanding partnerships with rural electric cooperatives help ensure that rural areas have affordable, reliable electric service. These investments also increase efficiency and productivity for businesses and residents, and support the quality of life in rural America."

You can view the full list of projects receiving support from the USDA below: