WASHINGTON (AP) — Two South Dakota electric cooperatives are getting federal loan guarantees to help build distribution and transmission lines and to make other improvements.

U.S. Agriculture Department officials say the Moreau-Grand Electric Cooperative, based in Timber Lake, is getting a $10 million loan guarantee to build 165 miles of distribution line and 10 miles of transmission line. It also will make other improvements, including smart grid applications. Officials say the funds will increase electric system reliability for more than 700 rural customers.

The Oahe Electric Cooperative, based in Blunt, is getting a $4.9 million loan guarantee to build 78 miles of distribution line and to make other improvements, including smart grid applications. Officials say the money will increase electric system reliability for more than 290 rural customers.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More From KXRB