R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-2-7: Agreements by cities and towns to meet federal conditions.

Any city or town is authorized to negotiate, cooperate, and enter into agreements with the United States and the state in order to satisfy the conditions imposed by the United States in 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 have been approved by the governor.