R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-6.1-11: Cooperation between the department and local governmental units.

In weighing the varied interests of the residents of this state, the department shall give consideration, as best as the situation allows, to the individual interest of any city or town expressing a desire to acquire a portion, or all, of the abandoned real estate located within its jurisdiction. The department may exercise its powers under this chapter to acquire the abandoned property for subsequent conveyance to the city or town.