MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — The Village of Elkville will soon upgrade its water meters in the Village, thanks to a zero-percent interest loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program, facilitated by Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association (EECA). Through EECA’s REDLG revolving loan fund, the Village received $156,500 to replace 475 aging analog water meters with digital technology. The new meters will improve accuracy, save time and money, and help detect leaks or unusual water use, enhancing service for every customer in Elkville.
“We’re proud to be able to help facilitate these loans for our local communities,” says EECA General Manager Shane Hermetz. “Supporting improvements like these helps strengthen the areas we serve and aligns with our mission as a cooperative to invest in rural progress.”
Although Egyptian Electric does not serve the Village of Elkville directly, facilitating this loan helps improve the quality of life in one of the rural communities within our service area.
The EECA Board of Directors approved the loan on August 26, and the funds were distributed to The Village of Elkville on October 21, 2025.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. Funding for these projects is part of the REDLG program, which supports rural infrastructure and business development. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
(Pictured from L to R: Brooke Guthman, Dean Bullar, Mayor Lance Bedar, Luana Wright, and Shane Hermetz)