The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has announced $19 million in funding to enhance electric infrastructure across rural Iowa. Butler County Rural Electric Cooperative will receive an $8 million loan to finance new distribution facilities, line conversions, and nearly 156 miles of line improvements across seven eastern Iowa counties. Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative will receive an $11 million loan to support line conversions, substation upgrades, and additional distribution equipment serving 10 southwestern counties. Iowa State Director Michael Sexton said the investments aim to improve reliability and affordability in rural power systems while supporting local economic growth under the USDA’s Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program.