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[About PREA] [PA/NJ
Co-ops] [Members] [Economic
Development] Rural
Economic Development Because they
are owned by their members, electric cooperatives in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
are integral parts of the communities they serve. With more than 60 years of
experience in providing affordable and reliable electric service, cooperatives are
a ready-made delivery system for improving the economic health of their rural
communities. As a result,
cooperatives do more than just supply power. They aggressively work to attract new
businesses to rural areas, plus help existing businesses expand. In addition,
cooperatives undertake projects that both improve rural infrastructure and the
rural quality of life - cornerstones to economic development and job
creation. As a service
organization, PREA aids electric cooperatives in these efforts with professional
and technical assistance, such as developing comprehensive local development
strategies and seeking out state and federal economic development grants.
Cooperatives, for example, spur job creation by guaranteeing zero-interest loans
secured through the federal Rural Business-Cooperative Service. The projects
funded by these loans benefit entire rural communities, not just areas served
by electric cooperatives.
PREA and
electric cooperatives are also key players in establishing
distance learning and telemedicine network links that allow rural
schools and hospitals to access information and specialized training
previously only available in urban areas. PREA is also involved with other
development initiatives, such as bolstering rural fire protection and finding solutions to rural wastewater
problems. The economic
development efforts of PREA and electric cooperatives are an extension of the rural
electrification program's original goal to provide a quality of life for all
citizens no matter where they may live. |
