Cramer: USDA Announces Over $100M in Rural Electric Loans

Press Release

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Today Congressman Kevin Cramer welcomed the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcement of over $100 million in loan guarantees to North Dakota electric utilities.

"These loans will help facilitate our electric cooperatives continue to expand services to a growing North Dakota, making it possible to deliver electricity in a safe, reliable and efficient manner," said Cramer. "Demand continues to grow not just in the Bakken, but throughout the entire state thanks to our thriving agriculture, technology, energy, and manufacturing sectors."

Capital Electric Cooperative of Bismarck will receive a $31 million loan to serve 2,823 consumers in Burleigh, Emmons, Kidder, McLean, and Sheridan counties and build 265 miles of distribution line. The loan includes $2,086,800 for smart grid projects and $248,000 for service to Native Americans.

Verendrye Electric Cooperative of Velva will receive a $63 million loan to serve 4,597 consumers in McHenry, McLean, Pierce, Renville, Sheridan, Ward, and Wells counties and build 741 miles of distribution line. The loan includes $1,164,000 for smart grid projects and $315,000 for service to Native Americans.

Nodak Electric Cooperative of Grand Forks will receive a $31.1 million loan to serve 920 consumers in Barnes, Benson, Cass, Cavalier, Eddy, Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Pembina, Ramsey, Steele, Traill, and Walsh counties and build 450 miles of distribution line. The loan includes $2,422,000 for smart grid projects and $540,000 for service to Native Americans.

Minnkota Power Cooperative of Grand Forks will receive a $46.3 million loan to cover additional costs incurred in the construction of a transmission line from Center to Grand Forks.

Congressman Cramer is a member of both the House Natural Resources and Science, Space and Technology Committees. Prior to his election to the United States House of Representatives, Cramer served on the North Dakota Public Service Commission. During his tenure, beginning in 2003, Cramer dealt with all aspects of the Commission's portfolio including pipeline and electrical transmission siting and regulation of North Dakota's three investor owned utilities.

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