Rhode Island General Laws Title 24. Highways § 24-9-1. Purpose of chapter

While appropriations adequate to meet the normal average needs of the department of transportation in the performance of its duties relating to maintenance of roads and related matters are annually made in legislation appropriating funds for each fiscal year, the general assembly recognizes the necessity for anticipating and making advance provision to care for the unusual and extraordinary burdens imposed on the department by reason of extreme climatic phenomena and other emergencies. For these purposes, it is the intention of the general assembly to forearm the department, vesting it with adequate power and authority within the limitation of available funds in the storm emergency account to meet any such emergency.