ESMOND (AP) - Construction is to start this summer on a project to bring rural water to more than 230 people in six north-central North Dakota counties.

The North Central Rural Water Consortium has been in the works for years. The partnership between water districts based in Minot and Fessenden is getting about $4.7 million in federal grants and loans.

The people who will be served are in the counties of Benson, Pierce, Wells, Eddy, McHenry and Sheridan.

"There have been feasibility studies for rural water service to this area for over 15 years, and the project is now going to bid," said Ralph Packulak, president of the consortium.