R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-3-7
For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, and general welfare, the city council of any city and the town council of any town, hereinafter referred to as the "legislative body," shall have power in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, to designate the exposed beach areas, or portions thereof, requiring attention, and, subject to provisions set forth in this chapter, may construct or cause to be constructed on any lands or interests acquired pursuant to this chapter, at the expense of the municipality, any protective works designed to prevent loss of beach material and the erosion of exposed beaches, and to assess the cost of the protective works upon the owners of property benefiting from the protective works. For the purposes of this chapter, "protective works" shall include breakwaters, bulkheads, groins, jetties, riprap walls, dunes, filled areas, and other structures or results of construction activities customarily employed to correct, control, or prevent erosion.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-3-7