R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-5-4
Whenever any town shall make an annual appropriation equal to or in addition to the sum of twenty cents ($.20) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of the ratable property of such town, and whenever the electors at the meeting shall direct that the appropriation be expended under the care and direction of the department of transportation, the town shall be entitled to state aid in the care and maintenance of its public highways, causeways, and bridges, other than state highways, in the following amount: A sum of money not exceeding one-fifth (1/5) of the money appropriated as aforesaid by any town, out of any money specifically appropriated by the general assembly to be used and expended by the department of transportation for the repair, care, and maintenance of public highways, causeways, and bridges in the respective towns; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her order upon the general treasurer for the money so appropriated, upon proper vouchers signed by the director of transportation. Whenever the electors at the meeting shall direct the appropriation as aforesaid to be expended under the direction of the department of transportation, the town treasurer of the town shall pay such highway bills for highway expenditures in the town as are properly audited by the director of transportation, not exceeding the amount of the town's appropriation.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-5-4