R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-3-16

The department of environmental management is authorized to furnish at the request and expense of the legislative body such technical advice consisting of plans, specifications, surveys, appraisals, cost estimates, engineering, and inspection services as the legislative body may deem advisable. Whenever the legislative body contracts with the state for the acquisition of land or for the supervision and inspection of any construction undertaken by it, the expenses thereof shall be deemed part of the cost of the construction or land acquisition.