USDA's $20.59 Million Investment Powers Up Rural Iowa and Boosts Energy Savings

By Andi Anderson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced on November 2, 2023, that it is investing $20.59 million in rural Iowa to improve electric infrastructure and boost energy savings. The funding will support three Iowa cooperatives and seven rural Iowa farms and businesses.

Three Iowa cooperatives received a total of $20.5 million in Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee program funding. The funding will be used to connect new consumers to the electric grid, build and improve lines, and make generation system improvements.

Seven rural Iowa farms and businesses received Rural Energy for America (REAP) program grants. The grants will be used to install solar arrays, which will save the recipients money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

The USDA Rural Development investment is part of President Biden's Investing in America efforts to rebuild the physical infrastructure of the country. The investment is also supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, which is the nation's largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis. Benefits of the investment:

The USDA Rural Development investment will have a number of benefits for rural Iowa communities, including:

• Improved electric infrastructure: The investment will help to improve the reliability and efficiency of the electric grid in rural Iowa. This will benefit both residents and businesses, and it will help to attract new investment to the region.
• Reduced energy costs: The investment will help to lower energy costs for rural Iowa farms and businesses. This will make them more competitive and help to create new jobs.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The investment in solar energy will help to reduce the carbon footprint of rural Iowa communities. This will help to combat the climate crisis and protect the environment.

The USDA Rural Development investment is a positive development for rural Iowa communities. It will help to improve the quality of life for residents, boost the economy, and protect the environment.

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