R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-64.27-2

The main street RI streetscape improvement fund is hereby created within the Rhode Island commerce corporation. The commerce corporation is authorized, within available appropriations, to award loans, matching grants, and other forms of financing to facilitate improvement of streetscapes such as but not limited to: (1) Enhanced sidewalks; (2) New wayfinding signage; (3) Upgraded building facades; (4) Improved street and public space lighting; and (5) Technical assistance, in support of creating an environment for small business development and commerce. The commerce corporation shall include maximum amounts for awards for technical assistance in the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to § 42-64.27-3. Applications and awards of grants or loans shall be on a rolling basis. There is established an account in the name of the “main street RI streetscape improvement fund” under the control of the commerce corporation, and the commerce corporation shall pay into such account any eligible funds available to the commerce corporation from any source, including funds appropriated by the state and any grants made available by the United States or any agency of the United States.