Indiana Code Title 8. Utilities and Transportation § 8-10-5-2

Sec. 2. (a) Any municipal corporation, county, or any combination of a municipal corporation, municipal corporations, county, or counties may create a port authority and there may be created a port authority in a county having a population of more than four hundred thousand (400,000) and less than seven hundred thousand (700,000).  Such authority may operate in addition to any municipal authority that may be created under this chapter.  A municipal corporation shall act by ordinance, and a county shall act by resolution of the county commissioners in authorizing the creation of a port authority.  A port authority created hereunder shall be a body corporate and politic which may sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, and shall have the powers and jurisdiction enumerated in this chapter.  The exercise by such port authority of the powers conferred upon it shall be deemed to be essential governmental functions of the state of Indiana, but no port authority shall be immune from liability by reason thereof.

(b) In the exercise of the powers and authorities herein granted said port authority shall have power to make and enter into any and all contracts that may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.  Except as otherwise expressly provided by this chapter, a contract made by a port authority is not subject to ratification by any other board, body, or officer.