The council is authorized to accept any federal grants. It is further given the power to administer land and water use regulations as necessary to fulfill their responsibilities under the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act, 16 U.S.C. § 1451 et seq., and to acquire fee simple and less than fee simple interests under any federal or state program. The council is authorized to coordinate and cooperate with other states in furtherance of its purposes. The council may expend those grants and appropriations. The coastal resources management council for the purposes of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, 16 U.S.C. § 1451 et seq., is the coastal zone agency under §§ 301 through 313 and §§ 318 and 6217 of said act.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-23-15