National Lineman Appreciation Day
Today is National Lineman Appreciation Day. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) by executive order. Congress later authorized the funds REA needed to finance the expansion of electricity into rural Missouri. REA provided low-cost loans to electric cooperatives so that they could build electric transmission and generation facilities.
Rural cooperatives and small cities took advantage of the REA loans quickly. The lights went on across rural Missouri. The growth of available electricity in rural America is described as one of the most dramatic events for rural farming communities, including those in Missouri. Rural electricity helped make Missouri a national and world wide leader in agriculture. Of course, electricity powers so much more than farming today, allowing us to use our computers, televisions, wireless devices, kitchen appliances and so much more that would not be possible without electricity.
Electric Linemen in Southeast Missouri
Ozark Border Electric Cooperative was organized in May, 1938, just 2 short years after the funding of the REA. In the 78 years since, the Cooperative has greatly expanded and currently serves more than 39,000 members in 11 Southeast Missouri counties. The City of Poplar Bluff operates its own Municipal Utilities department that provide electricity for the more than 17,000 residents of the City. Both entities employ numerous lineman who have worked to keep the lights on in bad weather, including the ice storm in 2009. The attorneys and staff of Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, wish to thank the linemen who keep the electricity on for us on this National Lineman Appreciation Day. We hope that you will take the time to do so as well.
Rural Utilities Practice
If you need legal assistance, or for further information about rural utilities, please contact us or call Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, at (573)686-2459. Our commitment is to earn your confidence by answering all questions and providing quality representation.
