Rhode Island General Laws Title 46. Waters and Navigation § 46-6-10.3. Derelict and abandoned vessel and obstruction removal account

(a) All fees assessed pursuant to § 46-6-10.4 shall be deposited into a restricted receipt account, hereby created and known as the derelict and abandoned vessel and obstruction removal account. The account is also authorized to receive fund transfers and appropriations from the general fund, and from any moneys collected pursuant to § 46-6-12. Funds from the account may only be used to cover the costs of removing, disposing, and/or selling derelict and abandoned vessels and other obstructions, including any associated administrative or environmental remediation costs, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(b) Priority for use of funds from the account is for (1) The removal of derelict and abandoned vessels that are in danger of sinking or have sunk, are breaking up or have broken up, pose a hazard to navigation, and/or pose threats to the environment; and (2) The removal of obstructions that pose a hazard to navigation, and/or pose threats to the environment.

(c) The department shall keep all authorized public entities apprised of the balance of the derelict and abandoned vessel and obstruction removal account and the funds available for disbursement.