LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska utility is getting a $7.9 million loan from the federal government to help pay for upgrades to electric grid in rural parts of the state.

The USDA’s Rural Development office says Midwest Electric will receive the loan.

Most of the money will be used to build or improve 194 miles of transmission or distribution lines across Nebraska.

The rest of the money will be used for smart grid technology that helps utilities better manage the electric grid.