R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-117-4
A person through the governor may apply to the Rhode Island economic development corporation and request that his or her project be classified as a project of critical economic concern. The Rhode Island economic development corporation shall render a written decision on the request within forty-five (45) days of the filing and receipt of the request. If the project is found to be a project of critical economic concern, the Rhode Island economic development corporation may issue a certificate of critical economic concern. A certificate of critical economic concern shall expire two (2) years from the date of issuance. However, a certificate of critical economic concern may be extended for an additional period of two (2) years at the discretion of the executive director of the Rhode Island economic development corporation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-117-4