Media Advisory: Agriculture Secretary Vilsack in Missouri to Announce Major Energy Investment for Rural Communities

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Agriculture Secretary Vilsack in Missouri to Announce Major Energy Investment for Rural Communities

SAVANNAH, Mo., Oct. 24, 2016 – On Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will host a press conference in Savannah to announce a new multibillion-dollar national investment to improve rural electric utility systems and broadband, including projects in Missouri, creating jobs and increasing reliability for customers. The event will take place at a local electric cooperative and Vilsack will discuss how the new federal funds will increase American energy independence and improve rural electric infrastructure.

Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested $31.3 billion in 963 electric projects that have financed more than 185,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines serving 4.6 million rural residents. USDA also has invested nearly $13 billion to start or expand nearly 112,000 rural businesses; helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes; funded nearly 9,200 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; and helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses. Since the start of the Obama Administration, USDA has invested more than $32.1 billion in Missouri to support the state’s farmers and ranchers, ensure availability of affordable housing, create jobs and promote economic opportunity for those who live, work and raise their families in rural Missouri.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

WHAT: Press conference to announce major energy investment for rural communities

WHO: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. CDT

WHERE: United Electric Co-Op
401 N. U.S. 71
Savannah, MO

Please RSVP to press@oc.usda.gov