R.I. Gen. Laws § 32-1-9: Appropriations and disbursements.

The general assembly shall annually appropriate such sums as it may deem necessary for the purposes of this chapter and chapter 2 of this title; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sums so appropriated, or so much thereof as may from time to time be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the director of environmental management.