JACKMAN, Maine (AP)   The federal government is providing a total of more than $2.5 million to help several municipal and regional airports make safety upgrades.

The money is from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program. Republican Sen. Susan Collins says the state’s smaller airports “are an important transportation option that help promote job creation, economic development, and access to emergency services in rural communities,” and the grants will help.

The airports receiving grants are Knox County Regional Airport, Princeton Municipal Airport, Brunswick Executive Airport, Pittsfield Municipal Airport, Newton Field in Jackman and Dewitt Field, Old Town Municipal Airport. The largest grant is an award of almost $1 million going to Knox County Airport to rehabilitate 66,500 square yards of apron that has reached the end of its usability.