R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-15.4-1: Authority of governor.

Whenever the governor has declared a disaster emergency to exist under the laws of this state, or the president of the United States, at the request of the governor, has declared a major disaster or emergency to exist in this state, the governor is authorized:

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, through the use of state departments or agencies, or the use of any of the state’s instrumentalities, to clear or remove from publicly or privately owned land or water, debris and wreckage that may threaten public health or safety, or public or private property; and

(2) To accept funds from the federal government and utilize those funds to make grants to any local government for the purpose of removing debris or wreckage from publicly or privately owned land or water.