LEXINGTON, Ky. — On October 2, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Dr. Tom Carew announced that over $110.5 million in federal funding has been granted to help rural Kentucky, including areas in the Local 6 region.
Jackson Purchase Energy Corporation has received a $57 million guaranteed loan to connect 1,440 customers as well as build and improve 118 miles of line. According to the USDA, this project includes over $11.5 million in smart grid technologies, including 105 miles of fiber installation.
JPEC is headquartered in Paducah and serves approximately 30,000 customers throughout six counties in southwestern Kentucky.
“The Biden-Harris administration remains steadfastly committed to improving infrastructure in rural Kentucky,” said Carew. “The projects I’m announcing today will help ensure rural Kentuckians have access to reliable, affordable energy and clean drinking water. As we continue to see the increased effects of climate change, resilient power grids and strong water infrastructure are even more critical to building resilient rural communities.”
According to the USDA, during this administration, Rural Development has “supported economic prosperity and quality of life improvements in rural Kentucky by obligating over $3.6 billion” put towards infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.
For more information on the other projects this funding will be facilitating, click here.