The US Department of Agriculture is investing $309 million in 16 projects to improve rural electric infrastructure in 12 states—including South Dakota.
FEM Electric Association in Ipswich will use a $6 million loan to build 58 miles of line and improve 77 miles. This includes over $352-thousand for smart grid projects. FEM serves more than 18-hundred residential, 19 seasonal, 23 irrigation and 230 commercial consumers. FEM’s system includes over 2-thousand miles of line in seven counties including Brown, Edmunds, Faulk, McPherson, Potter, Spink and Walworth.
The state’s other loan recipient is Douglas Electric Cooperative in Armour. That co-op will use a $1.4 million loan to build new headquarters, maintenance facility, shop and a pole yard.
