R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-6.1-6
The department may operate itself or may sell, transfer, or lease all, or any part, of the rail properties and other property acquired under the provisions of this chapter to any responsible person, firm, or corporation, whether private, quasi-public, or public, for continued operation and maintenance of a railroad, or other public purpose, provided that approval for the continued operation, or other public purpose is granted by the Interstate Commerce Commission of the United States, whenever approval is required. The sale, transfer, or lease shall be for a price, and subject to any further terms and conditions the department feels are necessary and appropriate to effectuate the purposes of this chapter and subject to the approval of the state properties committee.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-6.1-6