R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-62-2
The purpose of this chapter is to authorize the cities and towns of the state to adopt ordinances creating dam management districts ("district") for dams, the boundaries of which may include all or part of a city or town as specified by the ordinance. These ordinances shall be designed to prevent threats to public safety and public and private property caused by the failure or breach of dams and to protect the values associated with dams through the implementation of dam repairs, maintenance, management and/or removal. Dam management districts created pursuant to this chapter shall be bodies corporate and politic, having an existence separate and apart from the town or city and from the state, for the purpose of managing dams and providing for dam safety within the boundaries of the district.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-62-2