reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-5. - Commissioners’ estimate and report.

§ 24-3-5. Commissioners’ estimate and report.
The commissioners shall cause a survey and plat of the proposed alteration to be made; and shall cause notice to be given to all persons interested in the lands to be taken or in the improvement to be made, and to all persons who are owners of lands which, in the opinion of the commissioners, will be benefited by the proposed alterations, of the time and place of making an estimate of the value of the property so required to be taken, and of the special benefits to be conferred by making the alterations; and at the time and place appointed in the notice, the commissioners shall proceed to make a just estimate of the amount of the damage occasioned to the respective owners, lessees, parties, or persons entitled to or interested in the lands taken for the alteration, and also a just estimate of the value of the special benefits, if any, caused thereby, to the several owners of lands not required for the proposed improvements, but which will, in the opinion of the commissioners, be benefited thereby; and the commissioners shall report thereon to the town council or city council without unnecessary delay. The commissioners shall set forth in the report the names of the owners of, and persons in any way interested in, any of the land taken for the proposed improvement, so far as the names can be ascertained, and a description or designation of the several parcels thereof, with the damage and benefit to each respectively. The commissioners shall further apportion and assess a portion of the damage and cost of improvements as the town or city council may have directed, ascertained as provided, upon the owners of the estate so specially benefited, in proportion to the special benefits conferred; provided, that the amount of the assessment shall not exceed the amount of the special benefits, ascertained as provided.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 34; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 37; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 37; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-6. - Filing and notice of report.

§ 24-3-6. Filing and notice of report.
The town council or city council shall, within fourteen (14) days after the making of a report, cause personal notice to be served upon all persons named in the report, residing in the state, and shall also cause a copy of the notice to be published, as provided in § 24-3-7, to the effect that the report has been filed in the clerk’s office, and that any person aggrieved by the report must file, with the clerk of the superior court for the county where the town or city is situated, a notice in writing of his or her intention to claim a jury trial as provided in § 24-3-8; and he or she shall also cause a copy of the report to be filed with the clerk of the superior court.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 35; C.P.A. 1905, § 1216; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 38; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 38; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 38; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-6; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 54.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-7. - Publication and posting of notices.

§ 24-3-7. Publication and posting of notices.
The notice required by §§ 24-3-3 — 24-3-6 in addition to the personal notice, shall be given by publishing the notice once a week for two (2) succeeding weeks in at least two (2) newspapers such as the town council or city council may order; and they shall also cause three (3) or more copies of the notice to be posted in conspicuous public places on or near the place where the proposed improvements are to be made; provided, however, that the first publication of the notice required by § 24-3-6 shall be made within fourteen (14) days after the filing of the report.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 43; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 46; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 46; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 46; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-8. - Jury trial on report.

§ 24-3-8. Jury trial on report.
Every person aggrieved by the report of the commissioners shall, within sixty (60) days after the first publication of the notice of the filing of the report named in § 24-3-6, file with the clerk of the superior court a notice in writing of his or her intention to claim a jury trial; and in case the aggrieved person fails to file such notice, he or she shall not be entitled to a jury trial. Any person filing a notice may have a trial by jury before the superior court, to determine the amount of damage and benefit to him or her to be apportioned, upon issues to be for that purpose framed under the direction of the court; and if the person applying for a jury trial shall fail to obtain an increase of damages, or a diminution of the amount of benefit, assessed by the commissioners, the person shall pay all costs arising after the application for a jury and the court shall enter judgment and issue execution therefor; and in other cases the costs shall be paid by the town or city.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 36; C.P.A. 1905, § 1216; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 39; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 39; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 39; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-9. - Election by council to make or discontinue improvements.

§ 24-3-9. Election by council to make or discontinue improvements.
The town or city council shall, within one hundred twenty (120) days after the first publication of notice required by § 24-3-8, elect whether or not they will make improvements, and the town or city council may, at any time before election, discontinue all further proceedings relative thereto, but the town or city, upon the discontinuance, shall be liable for all costs, fees and expenses which shall have accrued; and the court may enter judgment and issue execution therefor as to the costs accrued on an appeal.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 37; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 40; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 40; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 40; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-10. - Taking of possession by town — Removal of crops and improvements.

§ 24-3-10. Taking of possession by town — Removal of crops and improvements.
The town or city, after electing by the town or city council to make the improvements as provided in § 24-3-9, shall become seized of all the land in the report mentioned that shall be required for making the improvements, in trust for use as a public highway. And the town or city may, by the person and at such time as the town council or city council shall order, take possession of the land or any part thereof, without any process of law, and remove all buildings and other impediments as the town council or city council shall order and direct; provided, that the owner of the land shall have the right, within thirty (30) days after the town or city council shall have elected to make the improvements, or within such further time as the town council or city council may grant, to remove all crops, trees, buildings or other improvements thereon, for his or her own use and benefit.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 38; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 41; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 41; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 41; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-10; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 55.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-11. - Confirmation of reports.

§ 24-3-11. Confirmation of reports.
The town council or city council, after the election to make improvements, as provided in § 24-3-9, shall confirm the report of the commissioners to all persons who have not given notice of their intention to claim a jury trial as provided in § 24-3-8, and shall finally confirm the report, as to those persons who shall have claimed a trial by jury, in accordance with the verdicts rendered, or in accordance with such other disposition as shall have been made of the claims for a jury trial; and the report, so confirmed, shall be final and conclusive upon the parties.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 39; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 42; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 42; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 42; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-11; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 55.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-12. - Termination of leases and contracts on land taken.

§ 24-3-12. Termination of leases and contracts on land taken.
Whenever the whole of any lot or parcel of land, or any building under lease or other contract, shall be taken as provided in § 24-3-10, for any of the purposes as provided in this chapter, upon the election of the town or city council, as provided in § 24-3-9, to make improvements, the lease or contract shall immediately cease and determine and be absolutely discharged. In case only part of any parcel of real estate so under lease or other contract shall be taken, all contracts and engagements respecting the parcel shall, from the time of the election, cease and determine, and be absolutely discharged as to the part so taken, but shall remain valid as to the residue, and the rents, considerations, and payments, reserved or payable and to be paid for or in respect of the time, shall be apportioned so that the just proportional part thereof shall be demanded or paid or recoverable for or in respect of the rents, considerations, and payments.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 40; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 43; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 43; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 43; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-12; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 55.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-13. - Payment of damages awarded — Action against town.

§ 24-3-13. Payment of damages awarded — Action against town.
The town or city shall, within four (4) months after the confirmation of the report of the commissioners, pay to the person entitled thereto the amount of damage finally awarded upon the report. In the case of a default of the payment, the person entitled to the payment, after application to the town or city council for payment thereof, may sue the town or city for and recover the payment, with interest. In the suit it shall be sufficient to declare generally for so much money due the plaintiff, by virtue of this chapter, for premises taken for the purpose herein mentioned; and the plaintiff may give any special matter in evidence under a general declaration, with proof of the right of the plaintiff to the sum demanded.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 41; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 44; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 44; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 44; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-14. - Collection of assessments for benefits — Lien.

§ 24-3-14. Collection of assessments for benefits — Lien.
The amount of benefit apportioned and assessed to the owners of real estate by the commissioners in their report, confirmed as aforesaid, and required by the report to be paid by the respective owners, shall be added to the taxes assessed against the real estate and the owners thereof by the assessors of taxes at the next or any subsequent annual assessment of taxes after the confirmation of the report, and shall be and remain a lien upon the real estates from and after the confirmation until it is paid, and shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as the other taxes assessed against the real estate and the owners thereof; except in cases where the estates are owned by nonresidents in the state, or minors, in which case one year in addition shall be allowed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 42; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 45; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 45; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 45; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-15. - Compensation and expenses of commissioners.

§ 24-3-15. Compensation and expenses of commissioners.
The commissioners shall be entitled to receive for their services a reasonable compensation, to be allowed by the town council or city council; and all sums reasonably expended for maps, plats, and clerk hire and other necessary expenses, shall be paid by the town.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 44; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 47; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 47; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 47; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-16. - Declaration of opening of highway.

§ 24-3-16. Declaration of opening of highway.
Whenever all buildings and impediments have been removed, by order of the town council or city council, from the street or portion thereof taken, and the street shall be open for public use, the town council or city council shall declare the opening, and it shall be a public highway.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 45; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 48; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 48; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 48; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-17. - Cities and towns affected.

§ 24-3-17. Cities and towns affected.
Sections 24-3-3 — 24-3-16 shall apply only to the cities of Newport, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Central Falls, Cranston, Warwick, and the towns of Lincoln, Johnston, Warren, Bristol, Middletown, East Greenwich, East Providence, New Shoreham, Little Compton, West Warwick, Cumberland, Barrington, Jamestown, North Providence, Westerly, South Kingstown, Narragansett, and Glocester.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 71, § 46; P.L. 1897, ch. 503, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 82, § 49; G.L. 1923, ch. 95, § 49; G.L. 1938, ch. 72, § 49; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-17; P.L. 1990, ch. 296, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-18. - Commissioners to define grade.

§ 24-3-18. Commissioners to define grade.
Whenever in any town any person or persons owning land abutting on any platted street or way, which is not a public highway, the plat of which is recorded in the office of the clerk of the town in which the land is situated, shall petition the town council of the town to cause the grade of any street or way to be defined, the town council shall appoint three (3) discreet and disinterested persons, residents and taxpayers of the town, as commissioners to define the grade of the street or way; which commissioners, before entering upon the duties of their office, shall be engaged to the faithful discharge of the trust.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 37; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 37; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 36; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-18.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-19. - Notice of report on definition of grade.

§ 24-3-19. Notice of report on definition of grade.
The town council thereupon shall cause such notice as the council may deem best to be given to all the owners of land abutting on the street or way, to appear before the council at the time named in the notice, if they shall see fit, and be heard for or against receiving the report.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 38; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 38; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 37; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-20. - Council action on commissioners’ report — Recording.

§ 24-3-20. Council action on commissioners’ report — Recording.
The town council shall, after hearing the persons appearing to be heard, proceed to reject, confirm, or recommit the report of the commissioners in whole or in part, to the same or new commissioners, to be appointed by the town council for that purpose, who shall revise the report and make a return thereof without delay to the town council; whereupon the town council shall reject or confirm, or again recommit the report in the manner as provided in § 24-3-11, as right and justice shall require. And if the report shall be confirmed, the town council shall cause the report, together with the profile plat accompanying the report, to be recorded.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 39; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 39; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 38; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 38; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-21. - Effect of definition of grade.

§ 24-3-21. Effect of definition of grade.
Whenever any street or way shall be received and established as a public highway, the defined grade shall be the established grade of the street or highway; but no action relating to the grade of any street or highway shall be so construed as to be a receiving or establishing of any street or way as a public highway.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 40; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 40; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 39; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 39; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-22. - Compensation and expenses of commissioners — Collection from petitioners.

§ 24-3-22. Compensation and expenses of commissioners — Collection from petitioners.
The commissioners shall be entitled to a reasonable compensation for their services, and for all sums of money expended for the plat and other necessary disbursements, to be allowed by the town council, whether the report is rejected, confirmed, or recommitted, to be paid by the petitioners, the amount of which shall be equally apportioned and assessed to the petitioners by the assessors of taxes; and unless paid forthwith by the petitioners, shall be added to the taxes assessed against the real estate abutting on the platted street or way belonging to the petitioners and the petitioners owning the property at the next annual assessment of taxes; and shall be and remain a lien upon the real estate until it is paid, and shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as the other taxes assessed against the petitioners, except in cases where the petitioners are nonresidents of this state or of the United States, in which cases one year in addition shall be allowed for the payment of the assessment.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 41; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 41; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 40; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 40; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-23. - Grading or change of grade — Notice and hearing.

§ 24-3-23. Grading or change of grade — Notice and hearing.
Town councils may order highways or parts of highways to be graded within their respective towns, and whenever a grade for any highway shall be established the grade shall not be changed without the consent of the town council of the town in which it is located, nor without notice to the proprietors of lands abutting on the highway, which notice, if the proprietor resides within this state, shall be served five (5) days before the passing of an order for the grade or change of grade, and if any of the proprietors reside without the state, notice shall be served upon them as provided by § 24-1-6. At the time and place named in the notice, the town council shall proceed to hear the parties, and to pass an order in reference to the grade, or change of grade, as they may think proper.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 28; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 28; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 27; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 27; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-24. - Establishment and curbing of sidewalks.

§ 24-3-24. Establishment and curbing of sidewalks.
Whenever any highway is graded, or the grade thereof is changed, the town council may order sidewalks therein to be established, and the sidewalks to be curbed, upon like notice to the abutting proprietors of lands as provided in § 24-3-23.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 29; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 29; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 28; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-24.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-25. - Liability for cost of curbs.

§ 24-3-25. Liability for cost of curbs.
Whenever any highway shall be graded, and sidewalks established therein, and the sidewalks shall be ordered to be curbed as provided in § 24-3-24, the owners of land abutting on the sidewalks shall pay the cost of the curbstones to be set against their respective lands.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 30; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 30; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 29; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-25; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 54.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-26. - Collection of curb costs.

§ 24-3-26. Collection of curb costs.
The costs of the curbstones shall be ascertained by the surveyor of highways, and be by the surveyor submitted to and be approved by the town council, and then the surveyor of highways shall demand the costs of the abutting owner, and if the owner shall neglect or refuse to pay the costs, the surveyor of highways shall certify the costs so ascertained and approved, to the assessors of taxes for the town, and the assessors shall include the costs of the curbstones, which sum shall be included in the next assessment of taxes for the town against the land or the owner thereof.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 31; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 31; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 30; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 30; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-27. - Settlement or appraisal of damages from change of grade.

§ 24-3-27. Settlement or appraisal of damages from change of grade.
Whenever any abutting owner shall deem himself or herself to be injured by any change in the grade of a highway, and the owner shall make a claim for compensation for the injury to the town council within forty (40) days after the change of grade shall have been completed, the town council shall appoint three (3) suitable and indifferent persons, not interested in the lands bordering on the highway the grade of which has been changed, who shall be engaged to the faithful discharge of their duties, and who shall go upon the highway when the grade thereof has been changed, and examine the highway, and the estate alleged to have been injured by changing the grade of the highway, and endeavor to agree with the owner of the estate as to the amount of damage sustained by the owner by means of the change of grade, and if they agree with the owner, they shall reduce the agreement to writing and report the agreement to the town council, which report shall be binding upon the owner and upon the town; but if they fail to agree with the owner as to the damage, they shall report the failure to the town council, whereupon the council, after notice to the owner and offering him or her an opportunity to be heard, shall proceed to appraise the damage done to the owner by means of the change of grade.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 32; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 32; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 31; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 31; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-27.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-28. - Appeal of appraisals and assessments.

§ 24-3-28. Appeal of appraisals and assessments.
Every person having been notified as provided in § 24-3-23, and having objected in writing to the action of the town council, on or before the day specified in the notice, who shall be aggrieved by any appraisal of damages made by any town council under the provisions of § 24-3-27, or who shall be aggrieved by the assessment of any curbstone tax ordered as is provided in § 24-3-25, may appeal therefrom according to the provisions of law with reference to appeals from town councils.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 33; C.P.A. 1905, § 1105; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 33; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 32; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-28; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 54.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-29. - Judgment on appeal.

§ 24-3-29. Judgment on appeal.
If the person appealing from any appraisal of damages made by the town council shall fail to have the damages increased on the appeal, the person shall pay the costs, and shall have judgment for the amount of damages awarded him or her, but if the damages are increased on the appeal, then the person shall have judgment for the damages and costs awarded to him or her, and execution may issue therefor; and every person appealing from any assessment of taxes for curbstones who shall fail to have the taxes reduced on appeal shall be adjudged to pay the costs of suit, and the collector of taxes may proceed to collect the taxes as if the appeal had not been taken, but if the appellant shall succeed in having the tax reduced, the appellant shall recover the costs, and the collector of taxes shall collect from the appellant only so much of the tax as shall have been found on appeal to be due from the appellant.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 34; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 34; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 33; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-29.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-30. - Payment of damages — Action for recovery.

§ 24-3-30. Payment of damages — Action for recovery.
The town in which the change of grade of a street or highway shall be made shall be liable to any abutting proprietor whose estate therein shall be injured thereby, and the damages therefor, whether agreed on, or appraised, by the town council or by the court, shall be paid by the town treasurer of the town, against whom, if he or she refuse or neglect to pay the damages, an action may be had and maintained for the money by the person to whom the damages is due and payable.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 35; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 35; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 34; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 34; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-30.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-3 - Improvement and Grading by Towns › Section 24-3-31. - Islands exempt from provisions.

§ 24-3-31. Islands exempt from provisions.
Hope, Patience, and Hog Islands are exempted from the operation of §§ 24-3-23 — 24-3-30 and §§ 24-5-1 — 24-5-27.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 36; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 36; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 35; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 35; G.L. 1956, § 24-3-31.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-4 - Federal Aid to Towns › Section 24-4-1. - Proposal to construct or reconstruct highway as federal aid project.

§ 24-4-1. Proposal to construct or reconstruct highway as federal aid project.
Any city or town, by resolution of its city or town council, may propose the construction or reconstruction of an appropriate street or highway within its municipal boundaries as a project eligible for participation in the benefits conferred by the Federal Aid Highway Act, 23 U.S.C. § 101 et seq., approved August 27, 1958, and all acts supplemental thereto and in amendment thereof, and may make appropriations therefor.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1929, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 24-4-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-4 - Federal Aid to Towns › Section 24-4-2. - Contents of resolution.

§ 24-4-2. Contents of resolution.
(a)
The resolution shall specifically describe the location of the proposed highway to be constructed or reconstructed; the total estimated costs of the project, and the type of the project.
(b)
The resolution shall further contain notice that necessary funds have been lawfully appropriated by the city or town in an amount equal to its share of the total estimated cost of the proposed project, and that the appropriation is available for the purposes set forth in the resolution.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1929, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 24-4-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-4 - Federal Aid to Towns › Section 24-4-3. - Forwarding resolution to director — Jurisdiction of negotiations.

§ 24-4-3. Forwarding resolution to director — Jurisdiction of negotiations.
A certified copy of the resolution shall be forwarded by the city or town clerk to the state director of transportation, under whose jurisdiction all negotiations between the federal government, the state and the city or town shall be completed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1929, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 24-4-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-4 - Federal Aid to Towns › Section 24-4-4. - Preparation and forwarding of federal forms.

§ 24-4-4. Preparation and forwarding of federal forms.
Whenever the director of transportation shall give his or her approval to any proposed project, the director shall forthwith cause to be prepared the appropriate forms in a manner satisfactory to the federal highway administration. The forms when so prepared shall be forwarded to the federal highway administrator for disposition as provided by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1929, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 24-4-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-4 - Federal Aid to Towns › Section 24-4-5. - Federal aid highway matching account.

§ 24-4-5. Federal aid highway matching account.
(a)
The general treasurer shall maintain as hereinafter provided, a special account to be known as the federal aid highway matching account, which shall be a part of the state highway construction funds.
(b)
Into the account shall be entered all money paid by any city or town on any project initiated and approved as herein provided for the purpose of matching federal grants and any state contribution to the projects.
(c)
From the account shall be paid all debts, claims, and other obligations legally incurred in the performance of the projects, and all the payments shall be authorized by vouchers approved and signed by the director of transportation or his or her authorized agent.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1929, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 24-4-5; P.L. 1963, ch. 103, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-4 - Federal Aid to Towns › Section 24-4-6. - Repealed.

§ 24-4-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1929, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 24-4-6; Repealed by P.L. 1963, ch. 103, § 2, effective May 6, 1963.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-4 - Federal Aid to Towns › Section 24-4-7. - Refund of surplus contributions to cities and towns.

§ 24-4-7. Refund of surplus contributions to cities and towns.
In the event the actual cost on any project is less than the estimated cost as provided in the project agreement, the general treasurer shall refund to any city or town any money remaining from the actual contribution of the city or town.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1929, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 24-4-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-4 - Federal Aid to Towns › Section 24-4-8. - Repealed.

§ 24-4-8. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1947, ch. 1929, § 5; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2727, art. 1, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 24-4-8; P.L. 1963, ch. 103, § 3; Repealed by P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 3, effective July 1, 1988.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-1. - Duty of town to maintain highways.

§ 24-5-1. Duty of town to maintain highways.
(a)
All highways, causeways, and bridges, except as provided by this chapter, lying and being within the bounds of any town, shall be kept in repair and amended, from time to time, so that the highways, causeways, and bridges may be safe and convenient for travelers with their teams, carts, and carriages at all seasons of the year, at the proper charge and expense of the town, under the care and direction of the town council of the town, provided that the state shall be responsible for the annual cleaning of all sidewalks on all state highways, causeways, and bridges.
(b)
In addition, the surfaces of all highways and causeways shall be maintained in such a state of repair as to make them safe for bicycles.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-1; P.L. 1975, ch. 300, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 307, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 56.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-1.1. - Alteration of roadways.

§ 24-5-1.1. Alteration of roadways.
(a)
Any person, firm, or corporation including utilities and contractors who or that alter a roadway that is subject to the provisions of this chapter shall restore that portion of the roadway that was altered to the same or better condition that existed prior to alteration or as required in accordance with the state or municipal permit requirements. Repaving and repair of a roadway by a public utility or utility facility shall be in accordance with and subject to the provisions of chapter 2.2 of title 39.
(b)
Municipalities shall adopt by ordinance standards for use of steel or other suitably manufactured plates on municipal roadways that shall, at a minimum, require compliance with the provisions specified in § 24-8-45.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 335, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 170, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 184, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 234, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 253, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-2. - Division of towns into districts — Election and terms of surveyors.

§ 24-5-2. Division of towns into districts — Election and terms of surveyors.
The town council of each town shall divide the town into highway districts not exceeding four (4) in number, or shall constitute the entire town one highway district, and shall annually elect one surveyor of highways for each highway district, and fix his or her compensation; provided, however, that in the town of South Kingstown the powers and duties of surveyors of highways shall vest in the town council and the town shall not be required to elect surveyors of highways, and provided further that in the town of Smithfield there shall be one highway district which shall constitute the entire town, and one highway commissioner who shall be elected and be compensated and hold office as provided in Public Laws 1930, chapter 1675; the highway commissioner to perform the duties of highway surveyor in the town and have all the power and authority and be subject to all the duties now pertaining to the office of highway surveyors elected by the town councils under the laws of the state. Surveyors of highways so elected shall hold their offices until the next annual financial town meeting of the town and thereafter until their successors are elected. Vacancies occurring from any cause may be filled by the town council, and the town council may remove from office any surveyor of highways elected by them at their pleasure.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 2; P.L. 1929, ch. 1365, § 1; P.L. 1930, ch. 1675, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-3. - Annual town appropriation.

§ 24-5-3. Annual town appropriation.
Each town, at some regularly called meeting of the electors thereof who are entitled to vote upon any proposition to impose a tax, shall annually appropriate such sum of money as the electors shall deem necessary for the maintenance and repair of its highways and bridges, and the sum so appropriated shall be included in the sum to be raised by the annual tax levied and assessed by the town for town purposes. In case any town shall fail to make an appropriation, the town council thereof shall make such expenditure upon the highways and bridges of the town as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of § 24-5-1.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 3; P.L. 1910, ch. 594, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-4. - Appropriations expended under department of transportation — State aid.

§ 24-5-4. Appropriations expended under department of transportation — State aid.
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 (⅕) 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.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 3, as enacted by P.L. 1910, ch. 594, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 3; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, §§ 65, 100; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-5. - Allotments to highway districts — Supervision of expenditures — Rates of compensation.

§ 24-5-5. Allotments to highway districts — Supervision of expenditures — Rates of compensation.
Town councils shall determine and allot the proportion of the annual appropriation for the maintenance and repair of highways and bridges, which shall be expended within the limits of each highway district in their respective towns, and so much of the appropriation as shall be expended under their care and direction, or under the care and direction of a committee or committees of their own members appointed by them for that purpose. They shall also fix the rate of compensation to be paid for personnel, teams, road making machinery, and materials to be employed or used in their respective towns.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-6. - Expenditures by contract — Unexpended funds.

§ 24-5-6. Expenditures by contract — Unexpended funds.
Whenever any town council shall be of the opinion that it is preferable to do so, they may provide for the expenditure by contract of a portion or all of the money allotted to be expended in any one or more highway districts; and if the work so done by contract shall extend into two (2) or more highway districts, they may determine what proportion of the cost thereof shall be paid from the money allotted to each of the highway districts. All money so allotted and not expended by contract shall, when expended, be expended by the surveyor of highways of the district to which it was allotted.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-7. - Special appropriations for particular projects.

§ 24-5-7. Special appropriations for particular projects.
Whenever any town shall make, in addition to its annual appropriation for the maintenance and repair of its highways and bridges, a special appropriation for the building or repair of any particular highway or bridge or other highway work, and shall not provide that the appropriation be expended by contract, the town council of the town shall determine whether the appropriation shall be so expended; and if not expended by contract, it shall be expended by the surveyor of highways of the district within which the work is to be done.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-8. - General duties of surveyors of highways.

§ 24-5-8. General duties of surveyors of highways.
Every surveyor of highways shall execute the directions given to the surveyor by the town council or the committee thereof as provided for in this chapter, and shall purchase and use such materials and employ such personnel, teams, and road making apparatus as may be necessary therefor at the rates of compensation fixed by the town council. The surveyor shall keep himself or herself informed as to the condition of all the highways in the surveyor’s district, taking particular care to do so immediately after all storms and freshets, and shall seasonably communicate such information to the town council or to the committee thereof having care of his or her district; and it shall be the surveyor’s duty, in case of sudden and unforeseen damage to any highway or bridge, to immediately repair the damage at the expense of the town so that it will be safe and passable, without instruction or direction from the town council or committee.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-8; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 56.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-9. - Removal of obstructions by surveyors.

§ 24-5-9. Removal of obstructions by surveyors.
Surveyors of highways may cut down, lop off, dig up, and remove all sorts of trees, bushes, stones, fences, rails, gates, bars, enclosures, or other matter or thing that shall in any manner straighten, obstruct, or incommode any highway; provided, that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to authorize any surveyor, except under the direction of the town council, to cut down or destroy, or other than in a reasonable and proper manner, to lop off or trim up any shade or ornamental tree so planted or maintained by any adjacent owner or occupant upon or near the side of any highways as not to incommode the traveled path.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-10. - Taking of road materials from adjoining land.

§ 24-5-10. Taking of road materials from adjoining land.
Any surveyor of highways may, with the consent of the town council or committee thereof having care and direction of his or her district, for the purpose of obtaining materials for repairing any highway, enter upon and dig for stone, gravel, clay, marl, sand, or earth in any adjoining land not forming a part of the messuage connected with any dwelling house, or not used as a cemetery or burial ground or otherwise appropriated to the burial of the dead; and may remove the material thus dug up to a place or places in the highways for the repair and amendment thereof as the surveyor shall deem necessary; provided, that land which is platted in house lots, and the plat thereof recorded in the land records of the town where it lies, shall not be so entered upon.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-11. - Damage in removing obstructions or materials.

§ 24-5-11. Damage in removing obstructions or materials.
All claims for damages for any acts done or materials taken under §§ 24-5-9 and 24-5-10 shall be claims against the town under which the surveyor of highways acted.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-12. - Fine for neglect to keep highways in repair.

§ 24-5-12. Fine for neglect to keep highways in repair.
Every town which shall neglect to keep in good repair its highways and bridges shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), and execution shall issue therefor against the town.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 11; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-5 - Maintenance of Town Highways › Section 24-5-13. - Liability of cities and towns for injuries from defective roads.

§ 24-5-13. Liability of cities and towns for injuries from defective roads.
(a)
The cities and towns shall also be liable to all persons who may in any way suffer injury to their persons or property by reason of any neglect, to be recovered in a civil action except as provided in subsection (b).
(b)
If any person shall incur damage to his or her motor vehicle by reason of a pothole on any municipal highway, causeway, street or bridge which damage would not have occurred without the existence of the pothole, he or she may recover from the municipality the amount of damages sustained up to and not more than the sum of three hundred dollars ($300). Provided, however, that the municipality had reasonable notice of the pothole, or may have had notice thereof by the exercise of proper care and diligence on its part, and a reasonable opportunity to repair the pothole. All claims shall be made within a period of seven (7) days from the date on which the damage was sustained by filing a written report in a manner prescribed by the municipality. In no instance, however, shall any claim for damage so caused to a motor vehicle registered in a foreign state be considered unless that state has a similar statute affording similar protection to persons owning motor vehicles registered in this state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 72, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 83, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 96, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 73, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 24-5-13; P.L. 1994, ch. 104, § 1.