R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-27-4: Powers of commission.

The commission has the power to:

(1) Retain by contract or employ counsel, auditors, engineers, appraisers, private consultants and advisors, or other personnel needed to provide necessary services;

(2) Request the assistance of staff from the department or other state agencies on an as-needed basis;

(3) Accept gifts, grants, or loans of funds, or services from any source, public or private, and comply, subject to the provisions of this chapter, with the terms and conditions thereof;

(4) Accept from a federal agency loans or grants for use in carrying out its purposes and enter into agreement with an agency respecting those loans or grants; and

(5) Otherwise do all things necessary for the performance of its duties, the fulfillment of its obligations, and the conduct of its business.