U.S. Department of Agriculture
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson has announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $490 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship.
USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the
Electric Loan Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
“When we invest in accessible and modern climate-smart infrastructure in rural communities, we invest in rebuilding the middle class by creating good-paying jobs,” Maxson said.
Renewable energy in rural communities
USDA is investing $78 million in renewable energy infrastructure in 30 states through the Rural Energy for America Program. This program helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Projects financed under this program can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that affects our climate.
For example, in Boulder City, Amerityre Corp., is using a $2,696 REAP grant to improve its heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and reduce energy costs.
Rural water and wastewater infrastructure
USDA is investing $376 million through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 31 states. Through its Water and Environmental Programs, USDA funds vital water infrastructure that directly benefits the health, economic vitality and environment of rural America.
Rural electric infrastructure upgrades
USDA is investing $17.4 million in loans in New Mexico and South Dakota through the Electric Loan Program to build and improve rural electric infrastructure and connect residents to affordable and dependable power. The Electric Loan Program brings efficient, modern electric infrastructure to rural communities and finances wind, solar, natural gas and clean energy production. The program also provides loans to electric utilities to support vegetation management, which helps prevent forest fires.
Biofuel infrastructure
USDA is investing $18.4 million in 20 states through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to build infrastructure to help expand the availability of higher-blend renewable fuels by approximately 218 million gallons per year. This will give consumers more environmentally friendly fuel choices when they fill-up at the pump.
In Nevada more information available online at https://www.rd.usda.gov/nv .
