Rep. Angie Craig Announces Millions to Upgrade Rural Electric Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig announced millions in federal funding to upgrade electric infrastructure in rural Minnesota.

The $35 million in USDA Rural Development loan funding will help modernize and strengthen the electric grid in nine Minnesota counties, including Dakota, Le Sueur, Rice and Scott in the Second Congressional District.

“Building a resilient energy grid is essential for all our communities, but particularly important in rural Minnesota. Today’s investment will serve rural Minnesota residents and businesses for years to come, and I’ll keep working to bring energy costs down and strengthen the energy grid across the Second District,” said Rep. Craig.

“The Rural Utilities Service program is critical to helping Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative maintain affordable electric rates, and investments like this one will help us keep Minnesota’s energy grid strong and reliable,” said Ryan Hentges, CEO of Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative.

The investment will be used to connect 1,846 consumers and build and improve 1,631 miles of line. It also includes more than $3 million in smart grid technologies.

Additional information on the USDA Rural Development Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program funding can be found here.

###