By News staff
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island is giving $1.5 million to local communities and nonprofit organizations for the construction and maintenance of recreational trails.
Gov. Lincoln Chafee announced the grants Friday. The money - which comes from federal transportation funds - is being awarded to cities including Newport, Pawtucket and Warwick and organizations such as the Audubon Society, the Blackstone River Watershed Council and the Nature Conservancy.
In total, the money will fund 28 projects around the state.
The grants will support the maintenance of existing hiking trails and walking paths as well as the creation of new ones.