U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins today announced a $55.2 million loan to extend and upgrade powerlines in rural Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

“From expanding high speed internet access in the Upper Peninsula to strengthening and expanding the power grid in southern Michigan, USDA is making historic investments in rural communities,” said Fewins. 

Midwest Energy & Communications will use a $55,273,000 loan to connect 1,160 consumers and build and improve 285 miles of line. This loan includes $5,260,450 in smart grid technologies. Based in Cassopolis, the rural energy cooperative provides electric service to approximately 36,600 consumers over 4,284 miles of energized line in seven counties in the southeast and southwest areas of Michigan as well as three counties in northern Indiana and two counties in northern Ohio.

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. This assistance supports 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, visit www.rd.usda.gov.