R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-1-9

The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it may deem necessary to patrol and police the shellfish grounds; check the licenses of fishermen; protect the scallop areas; collect animal specimens; execute special work incidental to the lobster and other shellfisheries; and enforce the provisions of chapter 22 of title 46, this sum to be expended under the direction of the director of the department of environmental management for the purpose of maintaining and operating patrol boats and their crews. The controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum, or sums, as may be required from time to time, upon the receipt by the controller of proper vouchers approved by the director.