Extreme weather events are happening across the United States due to climate change.
Rural areas are hit hardest by these events because there are fewer resources available to support recovery efforts.
The Biden administration announced a historic $11 billion investment to bring more clean energy to rural America this week. It is the single-largest investment in 80 years.
The announcement comes after flash flooding in Missouri that was deemed a 500-year flood event in some parts of the state.
St. Louis resident Nick Bauder recounted his experience of being trapped inside his home with four feet of water.
“I heard a crash, and all the water came through,” he said. “I almost got hit by furniture in my own house. I almost died in my own house because the drainage system was not working.”
The new investment will provide grants to rural electric cooperatives, non-profit organizations that provide affordable electricity to over 42 million Americans. The grant application process will begin July 31.
