AUGUSTA -- Fourteen Maine communities from Biddeford to Grand Isle are sharing in nearly $5 million from a bond approved by voters in November of last year.

In making the awards Thursday, Gov. John Baldacci said the communities can use the money to leverage nearly $42 million in private and public investments.

The Riverfront Community Development Bonds can be used for such projects as rehabilitation of abandoned buildings, restoration of fish and wildlife habitat, and creation of parks and trails.

The projects are in Bangor, Biddeford, East Machias, Augusta-Gardiner, Grand Isle, Houlton, Milo, Orono, Pittsfield, Richmond, Saco, Sanford, Skowhegan and Thomaston.