R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-6.1-15: Purchase of rolling stock, equipment, and machinery.

The department is authorized to purchase any railroad rolling stock, equipment, and machinery necessary for the operation and maintenance of any rail properties purchased by it on behalf of the state, with any funds made available for this purpose. The department may also acquire, and have available, a pool of equipment and machinery that may be utilized by the operators of the rail properties for the purpose of track maintenance, and other related railroad activities, upon terms and conditions determined by the department.