R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-12-4

For the purpose of providing for the passage of anadromous fish species to their traditional spawning grounds in freshwater, the department of environmental management is authorized and directed to construct fishways around or through existing dams in the rivers and streams of this state. The owners of those dams shall cooperate with the department of environmental management and shall not be liable for any damage as the result of the construction of the fishways.