MICHIGAN, (WPBN/WGTU) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $2.7 billion to help improve electrical infrastructure in rural areas across the country, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Monday.

The investments include $273 million to improve electrical infrastructure in rural areas in Michigan.

“These critical investments will benefit rural people and businesses in many ways for decades to come,” Vilsack said. “This funding will help rural cooperatives and utilities invest in changes that make our energy more efficient, more reliable, and more affordable."

"Investing in infrastructure – roads, bridges, broadband and energy – supports good-paying jobs and keeps the United States poised to lead the global economy," Vilsack said. "Michigan received a total of $273,696,000 in loans that will connect 5,765 rural customers."

The Alger-Delta Cooperative Electric Association will use a $10,900,000 loan to connect 735 customers and build and improve 84.13 miles of line.

The loan includes $98,000 in smart grid technologies.

“This represents a significant investment in Michigan’s rural energy infrastructure,” said Brandon Fewins, USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan.

“We are fundamentally transforming access to electricity in a large stretch of our state," Fewins said.

Great Lakes Energy Cooperative will use a $262,796,000 loan to connect 5,030 customers and build and improve 438 miles of line.

The loan includes various smart grid projects in the amount of $182,833,317 including the installation of 2,420 miles of fiber backbone communication network.