R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-2-2: Agreements by state to satisfy federal conditions as to projects.

The director of the department of environmental management is authorized to negotiate, cooperate, and enter into agreements in behalf of this state with the United States in order to satisfy the conditions imposed by the United States authorizing any project for the improvement of navigation of any harbor or river and for the protection of property against damage by floods or by erosion, provided the project shall first have been approved by the governor.