WASHINGTON, DC The United States Department of the Interior has informed U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today that Rhode Island will receive a $603,354 State Wildlife Grant to protect and preserve the states wildlife and their habitats. "Rhode Islands natural resources and valued wildlife refuges are some of its greatest assets, Reed said. We need to make sure we protect and maintain our environment so generations of future Rhode Islanders can enjoy the scenic state we have today. This funding will help support the effort to protect these resources.The State Wildlife Grant program was created to provide federal assistance to states for the development, revision and implementation of wildlife conservation strategies to prevent species and habitats from becoming endangered.To become eligible for the funds, Rhode Island developed a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan. The state can use the funding to plan, develop and implement programs that benefit, protect and preserve wildlife and their habitat in Rhode Island.