PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The state of Maine is receiving more than $1.2 million in grants for community and economic development in distressed parts of the Northern Forest area.

U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King announced the Northern Border Regional Commission grants Tuesday.

They say the five grants represent significant investments in these communities and the programs will improve quality of life and help create and keep jobs.

Among the grants are:

— $250,000 to the Indian Township Passamaquoddy Reservation to build a maple processing facility in Jackman;

— $250,000 to the town of Hartland to line the solid waste landfill facility; and

— $250,000 for the city of Ellsworth to develop a hub station to expand the availability of high-speed internet, which is predicted to support up to 100 new jobs.