R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-7-8
With the prior approval and written consent of the state mosquito abatement board, the council of the district shall have the power to take all necessary or proper steps for the extermination of mosquitoes within the district and to abate as nuisances all stagnant pools of water and other breeding places for mosquitoes within the district, to purchase supplies and materials and to employ labor and assistants that may be necessary or proper in furtherance of the objects of the council, to build, construct, and repair and maintain necessary levees, cuts, canals, or channels upon land within the district, and generally to do any and all things necessary or incident to powers granted and to carry out the objects specified in this section. Prior to adoption of a district mosquito abatement program, a public hearing must be held. A hearing required by a federal, state, or municipal agency on the program will suffice for purposes of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-7-8