Ala. Code § 33-2-31
In addition to the authority granted to the state by the provisions of any other law, the state is hereby expressly authorized and empowered, at an additional cost to the state of not exceeding $3,500,000.00, to engage in works of internal improvement by promoting, developing, constructing, maintaining and operating along navigable rivers, streams or waterways now or hereafter existing within the state, all manner of dock facilities, in aid of commerce and use of the waterways of this state, all pursuant to the provisions of the 1957 Docks Amendment. All such works, improvements and facilities shall always be and remain under the management and control of the department. The department shall be the agency of the state by which the state shall accomplish the acquisition, construction, maintenance and operation of dock facilities hereunder and shall, in general, accomplish the purposes of this article.
Ala. Code § 33-2-31 (1975)