Rhode Island General Laws Title 46. Waters and Navigation § 46-3-20. Authority of director--Federal assistance

(a) The director of the department of environmental management shall have full and complete authority to act as the public agency of the state, to cooperate with and assist the federal government in all matters relating to the construction of protective works in the event that the federal government shall make any federal funds or federal assistance therefor. The chief or any subordinate designated by the chief, may act as the agent of the federal government in accordance with the requirements of the provisions of any federal legislation relating to federal assistance.

(b) The director with the approval of the governor, is hereby authorized to accept, on behalf of the state, the provisions of the federal legislation, and may file written evidence of each acceptance with the federal government. Each acceptance shall be duly signed by the director.

(c) The director may enter into all necessary contracts and agreements with the federal government, or any agency thereof, necessary or incident to the construction of protective works, and all contracts and agreements shall be signed in the name of the state by the director of the department of environmental management, and in that event the construction shall be carried out and executed in all respects subject to the provisions of the appropriate federal law, and the rules and regulations made pursuant thereto, and to such terms, conditions, rules, and regulations, not inconsistent with federal law, rules, and regulations, as the director of the department of environmental management may establish with respect to the construction.

(d) All money paid to the state by the federal government for the purpose of construction of protective works, shall be received by the general treasurer and deposited by the treasurer in a separate fund; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders on the general treasurer for the payment thereof, or so much thereof as may be required from time to time for such purposes, upon the receipt by the treasurer of proper vouchers signed by the director of the department of environmental management.