AUGUSTA — Maine is seeking applications for grant funding for projects designed to boost job creation in struggling communities.

Republican Gov. Paul LePage says that that several Maine counties, including Androscoggin, Franklin and Kennebec are eligible for a piece of $4.5 million in grants that will be handed out by the Northern Border Regional Commission. Individual projects will receive as much as $250,000.

The grants can go toward a variety of initiatives, including health care and transportation infrastructure projects.

LePage says the grants will help “maximize the creation of quality jobs for Mainers in some of our more economically disadvantaged regions.”

The state’s Department of Economic and Community Development is now accepting applications for the grants, which will be awarded in September.