(KMZA)--Nemaha-Marshall Electric is among two electric cooperatives in Kansas awarded nearly $26 million in funding from USDA Rural Development for projects to help ensure Kansans in rural areas have access to reliable electricity.

The funding was announced Wednesday by Christy Davis, state director at USDA Rural Development.

Nemaha-Marshall Electric will receive a more than $4.7 million loan to connect 148 consumers, along with build and improve 51 miles of line.

The Axtell-based electric cooperative serves more than 3,500 consumers through nearly 1,500 miles of line through Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha, Pottawatomie and Washington Counties.