07.18.03

Cantwell Announces Funding for Ferry CountyPublic Utility District (PUD)

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell today announced $888,408 for the Public Utility District of Ferry County. These funds will be used to reach some of the 175 to 200 customers who are in areas so remote they are not served by the utility's current infrastructure.

The funds are being provided for the first time through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Energy Cost Program and will help bolster energy infrastructure in rural communities suffering from extremely high power costs.

"It is vital that we help communities combat the extremely high cost of energy," said Cantwell. "These funds will help ensure cost-effective and reliable energy services for families in Ferry County."

"We are pleased to receive this grant," said Bobbi Weller Manager of Ferry County PUD. "We will now be able to fund a program that will provide no interest loans to qualified remote homesite residents in our service area to finance the construction of line extensions or the installation of solar-electric systems."

Ferry County's PUD currently serves the electrical needs of 3130 residential and commercial consumers, including the Colville Confederated Tribes Reservations.

For additional information regarding USDA Rural Development's High Energy Cost Program please visit the Web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov