R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-9-24: Waters under concurrent jurisdiction of Newport.

The health officer of the city of Newport shall, under the direction of the council of that city, have authority concurrent with the city or town councils of the several cities or towns in the county of Newport bordering on the public waters of the state in all matters arising under this chapter in relation to any vessel coming within Dutch Island Harbor or within the waters of the East River below the bridges between Portsmouth and Tiverton.