- The USDA is investing $6.3 billion in rural and Tribal communities across 44 states.
- The funding will expand access to a clean, reliable electric grid and provide safe drinking water.
- Over 200 projects are being financed to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure in rural places.
December 12, 2024 — On Tuesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA is investing $6.3 billion in rural and Tribal communities
across 44 states to expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid, provide safe drinking water and create good-paying jobs.
“The Biden-Harris Administration invests in rural America because we know strong communities are rooted in their people,” Secretary Vilsack said. “These investments will build modern infrastructure that will attract employers to the nation’s smallest towns and most remote communities, creating jobs, vibrant Main Streets, and lasting economic growth for the people who live there.”
More than 200 projects are being financed to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure in rural places, growing the American economy from the middle out and bottom up. What does this mean for the Colorado River Basin States?
Delivering Clean, Reliable Energy.
The USDA is providing $5.7 billion in funding through the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program to help utility providers and electric cooperatives build and improve electric infrastructure and smart-grid technologies in 23 states, including Colorado. These projects will help ensure everyone in rural America has access to reliable electricity to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life.
Strengthening Rural Water Infrastructure.
Tuesday’s announcement also included nearly $642 million to expand access to clean and reliable drinking water, sanitary waste disposal, and stormwater drainage for people in 41 states. The Department is investing through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program and the Solid Waste Management Grants program. The agency is helping state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes build or improve rural wastewater systems.
“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas,” according to the press release. “This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and healthcare; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas.”
More information: FY2024Rural Infrastructure and Jobs Chart (PDF file). Projects in the Colorado River Basin states include:
Arizona.
- White Horse Ranch Owners Association Inc.
- Loan Amount: $1,200,000
- Project: Install nitrate removal system, construct water hauling loading station, and reduce nitrate levels in well water.
- Wenden Domestic Water Improvement District.
- Loan Amount: $745,000
- Grant Amount: $555,000
- Project: Replace water storage tank, install a backup generator, and improve water distribution system.
California.
- Earth Island Institute
- Grant Amount: $138,000
- Project: Provide solid waste and resilience planning and training for 46 California, 8 Arizona, and 20 Nevada tribes.
Colorado.
- Cobank
- Loan Amount: $450,000,000
- Project: Finance utility infrastructure loans or refinance loans for rural energy infrastructure improvements.
Nevada.
- Included in the California project by Earth Island Institute.
Utah.
- Solid Waste Training Institute
- Grant Amount: $451,000
- Project: Provide landfill training and plastic upcycling techniques in Alaska, Wyoming, and Idaho.
- Park City Conservation Association
- Grant Amount: $17,000
- Project: Expand recycling and education outreach programs in rural Utah.
Wyoming.
- Included in the Utah project by the Solid Waste Training Institute.
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