TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — The federal government Monday declared Michigan a disaster area because of damage to fruit crops from erratic spring weather, making growers eligible to seek low-interest loans.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture had granted disaster status to 72 counties. Because the designation applies to contiguous counties as well, virtually the entire state is covered.

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