WASHINGTON– U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded Meeker Cooperative Light & Power a $22,000,000 rural electric infrastructure loan.
“This rural electric investment will connect and energize miles of infrastructure in Meeker, Wright, Stearns, McLeod, Kandiyohi, and Renville counties to help our entire state’s economy thrive for many years to come,” Klobuchar said. “Projects like this not only boost the economy, but also support good-paying jobs and maintain the services Minnesotans rely on.”
“Rural homes, businesses, schools, airports and hospitals all need reliable electricity, and improving our electric grid is vital to building a 21st Century economy that works for everyone,” Smith said. “It’s something we must urgently address. This USDA investment in rural Minnesota’s electric infrastructure, including smart grid technology, could help reduce power outages, integrate renewables and lower energy costs for consumers.”
This Rural Development investment will fund distribution facilities to connect 160 new consumer lines and improve 243 miles of distribution line. This loan will also fund nearly $7.1 million in smart grid technologies. Headquartered in central Minnesota, Meeker Cooperative Light & Power Association serves 8,917 consumers over 1,936 energized miles of line in Meeker, Wright, Stearns, McLeod, Kandiyohi and Renville Counties
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