R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-8-2
The state of Rhode Island having accepted the provisions of an act passed by the senate and house of representatives of the United States in congress assembled, entitled "An act to provide for the promotion of vocational education; to provide for co-operation with the states in the promotion of such education in agriculture and the trades and industries; to provide for co-operation with the states in the preparation of teachers of vocational subjects; and to appropriate money, and regulate its expenditure," approved February 23, 1917, designates the general treasurer as custodian for vocational education funds as required by that act of congress. The general treasurer shall receive and provide for the proper custody of money paid to the state from the federal treasury under the provisions of the act of congress, and shall disburse the money upon orders drawn by the state controller upon requisitions of the department of elementary and secondary education. The state board for vocational education shall have and shall exercise all the powers necessary to cooperate on behalf of the state with the federal office of education in the administration of the provisions of the act of congress.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-8-2