Tuesday, Aug 30 2011 2:22PM
Upgrades to the nation's electric grid will be conducted thanks to grants from the USDA Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service.
Montana is one of many states which will receive $900 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to upgrade smart grids and transmission systems, as well as create jobs.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced this round of funding, which he states will aid roughly 19,000 customers in 14 states, by lowering utility costs. Rural residents looking for work will also benefit from the funding, he said.
"Rural electric cooperatives provide direct jobs and support economic growth in our rural communities," said Vilsack. "By financing electrical system improvements USDA and the Obama Administration helps ensure sustainable growth and business job creation."
The funding comes from USDA Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service, which aims to help enhance, maintain and replace electric infrastructure in rural areas nationwide.
In Montana, McCone Electric Cooperative and Marias River Electric Cooperative will receive grants of $9,364,000 and $4,260,000, respectively, to build and improve distribution lines and make other repairs.
Additionally, in California, three of the state's largest electricity providers plan to spend between $2.4 billion and $3.6 billion in smart grid improvements and additions over the next 10 years.