Dive Summary:

• In Virginia, the funding will be used to build 7 miles of new transmission lines, construct new substations and switching stations, improve 736 miles of distribution lines, and prepare line extensions for future growth.
• Companies in South Dakota and Mississippi will receive $62 and $52 million respectively, largely for line construction or repair.
• About $29 million of the total figure will be used for smart grid projects across all the states in the co-op.

From the article:

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the money also will enhance electric service by supporting construction or improvements to nearly 3,400 miles of lines.

“With these loans, we are continuing to help cooperatives provide reliable service to rural residents. A significant portion of this funding will go to smart grid technologies, helping consumers lower their electric bills and reducing peak demand for producers,” he said. ...