The said board shall have the power to regulate the commerce and traffic of said harbor and terminal district in such manner as may, in its judgment, be best for the public interest; it shall have and enjoy all the rights, privileges and immunities granted to corporations of Louisiana; it shall be empowered to own and have charge of, to administer, contract, operate and maintain wharves, warehouses, landings, docks, sheds, belt and connecting railroads, roads, streets, basins, locks, elevators and other structures and facilities necessary or proper for the use and development of the business of such district, including buildings and equipment for the accommodation of passengers and in the handling, storage, transportation and delivery of freight, express and mail; it may sell, lease or otherwise dispose of by suitable and appropriate contract, to any enterprise locating or existing within such district, a plant or industrial site, including buildings, wharves, appurtenances and other structures and facilities, either jointly, or severally; it may borrow from any person or corporation using or renting any facility of the district such sums as shall be necessary to improve the same and to erect and construct such improvements, and agree that the loan therefor shall be liquidated by deducting from the rent, dockage, wharfage or tollage charges payable for such property, a percentage thereof to be agreed on; it may maintain proper depth of water to accommodate the business of the district; it may provide mechanical facilities and equipment for use in connection with the wharves, sheds and other structures; it may provide lights, water and police protection for the district and for all harbor and terminal facilities situated therein; and, it may make reasonable charges and collect the same for the use of all structures, works and facilities administered by the board, and for any and all services rendered by the board; it may regulate, supervise and control the fees and charges to be made by privately owned wharves, docks, warehouses, elevators, and other facilities within the limits of the district where the same are offered for the benefit and use of the public.
Subject to the right of the board to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of same as set forth above, all buildings, railroads, wharves, elevators, and other structures, equipment and facilities herein referred to are declared to be works of public improvement and title thereto shall vest in the public.
La. Navigation and Shipping § 34:334.3