IRON MOUNTAIN (AP) — A hospital that is a major employer in an Upper Peninsula county is getting support from public officials as it pursues a $25 million federal loan. The Daily News says Dickinson County commissioners this week voted to endorse the effort. Former U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak says a loan from the U.S. Agriculture Department would stabilize finances at Dickinson County Healthcare System in Iron Mountain. He was hired to lead the restructuring.

The loan application could be ready in July. The newspaper says bankruptcy was considered last year after two potential mergers fell through.

Dickinson County has a legal relationship with the 49-bed hospital but no financial responsibility.