(a)  It is found that there exists, and may in the future exist within the state of Rhode Island, premises, dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units, structures, or parts thereof, which by reason of their structure, equipment, sanitation, maintenance, use, or occupancy, affect or are likely to adversely affect the public health, including the physical, mental, and social well-being of persons and families, safety, and general welfare. To correct and prevent the existence of these adverse conditions, and to achieve and maintain levels of residential environmental quality as will protect and promote health, safety, and general welfare, it is further found that the establishment of minimum housing standards for the state of Rhode Island is required.

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(b)  It is further found that conditions existing on blighted premises are dangerous to the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the people, and that conditions existing on blighted premises necessitate excessive and disproportionate expenditure of public funds for public health and safety, crime prevention, fire protection, and other public services, and that the conditions existing on blighted premises cause a drain upon public revenue, impairing the efficient and economical exercise of governmental functions in these areas.

(c)  It is further found that the elimination of blighted premises, and the prevention of the recurrence of blighted premises, is in the best interest of the public, and that the accomplishment of this end will be fostered and encouraged by the enactment of this chapter. The enactment and enforcement of this chapter is thereby declared to be essential to the public interest. It is intended that the provisions of this chapter be liberally construed to effectuate its previously stated purposes.