R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-31-7

It is declared that the purposes of chapters 31 — 33 of this title are the elimination and prevention of blighted and substandard areas and their replacement through redevelopment by well-planned, integrated, stable, safe, and healthful neighborhoods in the manner and by the means provided in these chapters, thereby carrying out the policy of this state, as declared in § 45-31-6.