R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-3-30: Payment of damages — Action for recovery.

The town in which the change of grade of a street or highway shall be made shall be liable to any abutting proprietor whose estate therein shall be injured thereby, and the damages therefor, whether agreed on, or appraised, by the town council or by the court, shall be paid by the town treasurer of the town, against whom, if he or she refuse or neglect to pay the damages, an action may be had and maintained for the money by the person to whom the damages is due and payable.