Economic Development Loans Reach $1.2 Million Mark
The AEPCO Board of Directors received special recognition from the City of Benson during a recent board meeting for its support of the USDA Rural Economic Development Loans & Grants program and two low-interest rural development loans totaling $360,000.
Funds were by the city to build a 24/7 aviation fueling facility at Benson’s municipal airport.
Since 2010, AEPCO has made several loans from grants provided to us by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants (REDLG) program.
We administer low-interest loans from revolving funds to business development projects in electric cooperative communities.
In 2018, USDA awarded a grant to AEPCO to establish our second revolving loan fund that provides zero- and low-interest loans.
$182213
The amount of our latest loan, which helped construct a self-service fuel farm for the airport in Benson, Arizona
$1.2 million
The total amount we have provided in loans to our communities through REDLG. Previous loans helped fund improvements for hospitals in Benson and Willcox, Arizona.
AzGT’s REDLG loan to the Benson Airport for a new fuel farm allows pilots to purchase fuel at any time, encouraging expanded use of the airport.
AzGT Partners with Cochise Economy to Move Economic Development Forward
- AzGT has supported the Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group since SAEDG’s inception in 2012. Now, through AzGT’s work with SAEDG, AzGT is the primary sponsor of Cochise Economy, a new economic data and statistic clearing house designed to help the region’s economy thrive.
- The site is the brainchild of Dr. Robert Carriera, an economist who conducts economic impact studies. In creating the website, he applied experience gained in gathering data for AzGT and other clients, including local governments and universities.
- This website makes information available to all businesses, big and small, with the goal of attracting new opportunities.
Study Reveals AzGT Contributions to Region’s Economy
AzGT recently commissioned a study of our economic impact on our region. 2020 findings included the fact that each job at AzGT creates an additional 1.3 jobs in the regional economy.
Arizona G&T Cooperatives
$285100000
economic activity
$45300000
household earnings
516
jobs (associated)
$5300000
local tax revenue
Apache Generating Station
$95500000
economic activity
$15200000
household earnings
173
jobs (associated)
$3600000
local tax revenue
Local First Arizona — Economic Recovery Center
Local First Arizona is an economic development partner with Arizona G&T Cooperatives that helps build a rural Arizona economy that is:
Sustainable
Resilient
Celebratory of diverse cultures
As the state’s Rural Development Council, Local First Arizona partners with:
Businesses
Community Leaders
Service Organizations
Economic development organizations
Economic development organizations
Learn more on the Local First Arizona website.
Accepting the key to the city is Kathy Thatcher, center, AEPCO board president. At left is Benson City Vice Mayor Larry Dempster. AzGT CEO Patrick Ledger is at right.
AzGT has provided REDLG loans to hospitals in Willcox and Benson. Dr. Brower examines Sierra Campbell at the Benson Hospital Care Clinic.