R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-21-7: Applications for federal and state aid.

Whenever it shall be necessary to obtain assistance from the federal or state government in the form of loans, advances, grants, subsidies, and otherwise, directly or indirectly, for the execution of the project, the division may make all necessary applications for such purposes. All applications shall be made in writing in the name of the division and shall be duly signed by the associate director or other person or persons as the governor or director of public safety may designate.