R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-2-4: Applications for federal aid.

Whenever it shall be necessary to obtain cooperation, assistance, or funds from the United States of America in the form of loans, advances, grants, subsidies, and otherwise, directly or indirectly, for any of the purposes enumerated in § 46-2-2, the director of the department of environmental management, with the approval of the governor, may make all necessary applications therefor to the United States or any agency thereof. All applications shall be made in writing in the name of the state, and shall be signed by the director of the department of environmental management, and shall be countersigned by the governor.