R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-3-10

Whenever it is impossible to reach agreement upon the price to be paid for the purchase of any land or interest therein needed to carry out the purposes of this chapter, or whenever the owner is legally incapacitated or is absent or is unable to convey valid title or is unknown, the department of environmental management is hereby authorized and empowered to acquire by condemnation any properties, notwithstanding whether the properties taken or acquired are or may be devoted to public uses. The condemnation proceedings shall be conducted and the compensation to be paid shall be ascertained and paid pursuant to the provisions of chapter 6 of title 37.