Brown University researchers say the Afghanistan and Iraq wars have cost Rhode Island more than $70 million to date, and will cost millions more.

Two new papers produced as part of the Watson Institute's Costs of War Project at Brown were released Tuesday. Researchers Brian Smith and Luke Lattanzi-Silveus examined Rhode Island and Texas to highlight the forms of local funding for returning veterans.

They say Rhode Island has spent $73.6 million to $79.8 million so far on housing, employment benefits, counseling and other services for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

They say the costs are likely to increase dramatically as the state begins to maintain a new veterans' home.

Smith says he's hopes the data will enhance the discourse on foreign policy and intervention so the public can make informed choices.