AUGUSTA — State and federal officials on Tuesday said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has authorized a regional center in Rangeley to coordinate foreign investment and new job creation as part of the employment-based visa program.

Saddleback Ski Area General Manager Chris Farmer said Wednesday he was hopeful the new EB-5 designation would help attract investors to the resort. Farmer said Jay Peak, a Vermont ski area, was able to attract more than $200 million in foreign investment through a similar designation.

Under the program, a potential immigrant can apply for a U.S. visa by agreeing to invest in an American business that creates at least 10 new jobs directly or indirectly for U.S. workers.

Farmer said the program would allow Saddleback to better attract investors for several key projects that are part of the resort’s 10-year development plan.

He said the resort was not ready to announce which projects these potential investors would become partners in but said the designation was going to be beneficial to the resort and the region’s economy.

The regional center will coordinate investments in industries directly supporting jobs in lodging, construction and restaurants, among others. The program covers Franklin County and Livermore Falls in Androscoggin.

Maine Economic Development Commissioner George Gervais said a group in Franklin County has signed on to the program.