EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Four Michigan communities are receiving federal loans and grants to upgrade rural water systems.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded a combined $7.7 million for the projects, which rural development state director Jason Allen says safeguard water resources in the Great Lakes region.

Portage Township in Houghton County is receiving a $960,000 loan and a $2 million grant to construct a sewer collection system.

The city of Fennville in Allegan County is getting a $1.1 million loan for water system improvements. A loan of $826,000 will help the village of Homer in Calhoun County finance wastewater system upgrades.

The fourth recipient is the village of Vicksburg in Kalamazoo County, which is receiving $2.79 million in loans to improve water and storm sewer systems.

Communities can apply online for funding.

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