PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  The U.S. Department of Transportation is giving Maine more than $8.6 million to improve highway infrastructure in the state.

The money is coming via the Federal Highway Administration. Republican Sen. Susan Collins says the increase was included in the fiscal 2018 federal funding bill.

The Maine Department of Transportation has also been making investments in infrastructure in the state. The agency announced in March that it was awarding more than $10.8 million to replace three bridges in Piscataquis and Penobscot counties that are structurally deficient or otherwise in need of repairs.

Collins says the investment will create jobs, improve Maine’s economy and make highways more safe.