Río Negro Province secures $85 million BID loan for agricultural and energy projects

Governor Alberto Weretilneck obtained approval from the Inter‑American Development Bank for a US$85 million program – US$80 million from the BID and US$5 million from the province – to modernise Río Negro’s productive infrastructure. The funding will expand irrigated areas, extend electricity to rural zones, upgrade existing systems and add technology to protect production from climate events. Key works include 85 km of new electric grid and three transformation centres in Guardia Mitre, electrification of the northern margin between General Conesa and Guardia Mitre, the activation of the Negro Muerto project and the extension of irrigation between Chimpay and Coronel Belisle. Additional resources will equip the provincial fire‑prevention service (SPLIF) and provide hail‑netting for fruit growers.

Weretilneck presented the plan in Washington, highlighting the province’s potential for large‑scale energy projects and attracting private investment. He said, “Conseguir este financiamiento del BID demuestra que cuando una provincia tiene un rumbo claro, planifica a largo plazo y cumple con sus compromisos, el mundo acompaña,” and added, “Este financiamiento no llega por casualidad. Llega porque Río Negro tiene un proyecto de desarrollo serio.” The programme aims to boost agricultural and livestock output, create jobs and draw further private capital to the region.