R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-61.1-1: Purposes.

The purposes of this chapter are to:

(1) Require, at a minimum, the annual inspection of and if necessary the annual cleaning and maintenance of storm drainage systems that are prone to flooding in order to reduce the risks of flooding and roadway degradation, and the deposition of sediments and associated pollutants into the state’s waterways;

(2) Allow small municipal separate storm sewer systems in partnership with the department of transportation to designate storm drainage systems that are prone to flooding and would be subject to the requirements of this chapter;

(3) Provide an opportunity for public input during the storm drainage designation process; and

(4) Authorize the department of environmental management to adopt regulations, as necessary, to implement the provisions of this chapter.