Biden Announces $7.3 Billion Investment in Rural Electrification

President Joe Biden is visiting southwest Wisconsin to announce a significant investment in rural electrification. This $7.3 billion initiative, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to reduce internet costs in rural areas across 23 states and generate numerous jobs. This is part of the Democrats' broader investment in critical infrastructure.

President Joe Biden is returning to southwest Wisconsin to fulfill his promise of new investments in rural electrification and other crucial infrastructure improvements.

In Westby, Biden will announce a $7.3 billion investment for 16 cooperatives to provide electricity in rural regions across 23 states, aiming to cut down internet costs in inaccessible areas. This funding is sourced from the Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act, enacted in August 2022, which allocates roughly $13 billion to rural electrification and promises to create 4,500 permanent jobs and 16,000 construction jobs, according to the White House.

The administration touts this as the largest rural electrification investment since the 1930s New Deal.

With Wisconsin being a critical battleground for the upcoming presidential election between Republican former President Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden's visit underscores the importance of delivering on his early presidential promises. Back in June 2021, at the La Crosse Municipal Transit Utility, Biden emphasized that internet access is a necessity akin to water and electricity. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Natalie Quillian noted that Biden's visit highlights how he has delivered on many of his promises.

(With inputs from agencies.)