GIRARD, Kan. (AP) The U.S. Department of Agriculture says a southeast Kansas electrical cooperative is getting about $15 million to make system improvements.
The USDA says the funds will help Girard-based Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative build 242 miles of distribution line and make other improvements. The money includes a loan of about $192,000 for smart grid projects.
The agency says 12 other states are also getting a total of about $280 million for similar upgrades in rural areas, resulting in the construction of more than 1,900 miles of new or improved electric line.