R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-17-19: Appropriations and disbursements.

The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sums that are deemed necessary by the director of environmental management to carry out the provisions of §§ 2-17-17 — 2-17-20, and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of those sums, or so much as may be required from time to time, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the director of environmental management.