R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-5-11: Control and management of public facilities.

The director shall retain under his or her own control and management and in his or her own possession, for use by the public for the transient needs and purposes of such vessels as shall from time to time come to the port of Providence, a portion of the property, wharves, piers, and docks sufficient for the transient needs and purposes of the vessels so coming to the port of Providence.