R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-35
The town of New Shoreham is hereby authorized to charge, assess, or otherwise collect a fifty cent ($.50) landing fee on each passenger over the age of twelve (12) arriving on Block Island by public or private boat. All fees collected less expenses of collection shall be utilized by the town of New Shoreham to promote the health, safety, and welfare of all passengers, including, but not limited to, emergency medical services, acquisition of property to support tourism related activities, to construct and maintain tourism support facilities, and to establish a fund to assist the town of New Shoreham in resolving problems which may arise due to growth in the tourism industry. The town may enter into agreements with any common carrier serving the town of New Shoreham and any operator of a marina in the town of New Shoreham authorizing the carrier or marina operator to collect the landing fee on behalf of the town of New Shoreham. The agreement may provide for the payment of a fee by the town for the carrier or marina operator and the indemnification of the carrier or marina operator from and against any liability to, or claim of liability by third parties, arising from collection of the landing fee. Any common carrier may collect the landing fee on behalf of the town of New Shoreham by including the amount of the fee in its rate and charge to passengers without the necessity of approval of the landing fee from the public utilities commission or the division of public utilities and carriers under title 39. The landing fee authorized by this chapter does not apply to any persons receiving free transportation from a public utility under § 39-2-5. The town council of the town of New Shoreham shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this section.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-2-35