R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-128.2-1: Findings.

The general assembly finds and declares that:

(1) The availability of affordable housing is a critical concern to the current well-being and the future prosperity of the people of Rhode Island;

(2) All towns in Rhode Island, with an obligation to do so, have adopted affordable housing plans as required by P.L. 2004, ch. 286 and 324; and

(3) The slowness and uncertainty of securing permits and regulatory approval from state agencies can impair the viability of affordable housing development, make such development more expensive, and can jeopardize federal and other monies.