Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-45.1-7. Cooperation by state and municipal agencies--Notice and investigation of possible adverse effects of state projects

(1) When any state or municipal agency finds or is made aware by an appropriate historical or archaeological authority that its operation in connection with any state, state assisted, state licensed, or contracted project, activity, or program adversely affects or may adversely affect scientific, historical, or archaeological data, the agency shall notify the state historical preservation commission and shall provide the commission with appropriate information concerning the project, program, or activity. The provisions of this chapter shall be made known to contractors by the state agencies doing the contracting.

(2) The state historical preservation commission, upon notification, shall, after reasonable notice to the responsible agency, conduct a field investigation.

(3) The state historical preservation commission shall initiate actions within thirty (30) days of notification under subdivision (1) or within such time as agreed upon by the parties involved. The responsible agency is authorized to expend agency funds for the purpose of assisting the commission with the field investigations.