ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says it has awarded grants for trails around the state.

The department says the 27 grants total $2.5 million. The grants are meant to fund hiking, biking and horseback trails, as well as canoe and kayak launches.

The department administers the Recreational Trails Program under the guidance of the Federal Highway Administration with funding appropriated by Congress. Local, state and federal government agencies and authorized commissions are eligible to participate in the competitive grant program.

The department says a total of 87 applications asking for about $9 million were received during this grant cycle from state, federal and local governments.

Grant recipients are required to match the grant by providing at least 20 percent of the cost of their project.