R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-3-4

The department of environmental management is hereby designated the shore erosion authority of the state for the purpose of cooperating with the beach erosion board of the department of defense, as provided for in 33 U.S.C. § 426. The department of environmental management shall carry out investigations and studies of conditions along the shore line, harbors, rivers, and islands within the territorial waters of the state with a view to devising and projecting economical and effective methods and works for preventing or correcting beach erosion and damage to public and private property resulting therefrom.