JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Economic Development announced today that two Missouri rural electric cooperatives have been offered more than $65 million by the United States Department of Agriculture. The projects include the installation of smart grid technology.
Ozark Border Electric Cooperative in Poplar Bluff was offered $51 million to build or improve 161 miles of power lines and make other improvements to their system. Macon Electric Cooperative in Macon was offered another $15.2 million to for similar improvements for 51 miles of line. The loans include a total of more than $2 million for smart grid projects.
The funding comes from the USDA Rural Development Electric Program, which makes insured loans and guarantees loans for non-profit and cooperative associations, public bodies and other utilities. The loans generally finance the construction of electric distribution facilities in rural areas.
Collin Reischman was the Managing Editor for The Missouri Times, and a graduate of Webster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.