R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-5-3: Vesting of title to land taken.

Upon the filing of the description, plat, and statement, the title to and immediate right of possession of such land shall vest in the state of Rhode Island in fee simple unless a lesser estate or interest therein is specified in the statement as taken by the department of environmental management, in which last case, title to and right of possession of such land shall vest in the state to the extent and according to the nature of the title therein taken.