TUCKER, GA, Aug. 26, 2005 (PRNewswire) -- President George W. Bush has announced his intent to nominate Millen, Ga., native and former Jefferson Energy director James M. "Jim" Andrew to serve as administrator of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), Department of Agriculture.
When confirmed by the Senate sometime this fall, Andrew will head the RUS, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development agency which focuses on building and improving rural infrastructure to provide essential services such as electricity, water and telecommunications.
The RUS administrator will report to Under Secretary for Rural Development Tom Dorr and will be responsible for overseeing the RUS whose mission is to improve the quality of life in rural America by administering its electric, telecommunications, and water and waste programs.
"This nomination is a real honor for Georgia and recognizes Jim's contributions to cooperatives across the country," said Georgia Electric Membership Corporation President/CEO Paul Wood. "Jim has been an advocate for rural America for more than 30 years, and it's gratifying that the President has recognized his efforts in such a public way."
Currently a private consultant, Andrew has held top posts at Jefferson Energy Cooperative in Wrens, Ga.; Georgia EMC, a statewide trade association; National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC); and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
The RUS grants loans and loan guarantees to finance the construction of electric distribution, transmission and generation facilities, including system improvements and replacement required to furnish and improve electric service, and for demand side management, energy conservation programs, and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems.
Andrew and his wife currently reside in Millen, Ga.
The Georgia Electric Membership Corp. (www.georgiaemc.com), or Georgia EMC, is the statewide trade association representing the state's 42 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp. and Georgia Transmission Corp. Through this statewide network, the 42 customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to four million people, nearly half of Georgia's population, across 73% of the state's land area.
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