R.I. Gen. Laws § 32-1-4
For the purpose of acquiring by condemnation any of the lands, estates, and interests therein authorized to be taken by § 32-1-3, the director of the department of environmental management shall have the powers conferred, and be subject to the duties imposed, upon towns taking property under the provisions of chapter 15 of title 39, so far as those powers and duties are consistent with the provisions of § 32-1-3 and appropriate for the purposes thereof. A description, plat, and statement of any land or any estate or interest therein taken as described in § 32-1-3 shall be signed by the director of the department and filed in the records of land evidence as required by chapter 15 of title 39 with respect to takings thereunder, and the owner of any land, estate, or interest therein taken under the authority of § 32-1-3 shall have the same right of petition and of jury trial thereon and all other rights given or secured to owners of property taken under chapter 15 of title 39.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 32-1-4