Louisiana Revised Statutes Tit. 34, § 333.3. Powers of board; title to structures and facilities

The said board shall have the power to regulate the commerce and traffic of said harbor and terminal district in such manners as may in their judgment be best for the public interest; they shall have and enjoy all the rights, privileges and immunities granted to corporations of Louisiana; they shall be empowered to own and have charge of, to administer, contract, operate and maintain wharves, warehouses, landings, docks, sheds, belt and connecting railroads, canals, 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 lease or sell for manufacturing, commercial and business purposes, land or buildings owned or acquired by it; 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; provide mechanical facilities and equipment for use in connection with the wharves, sheds and other structures; provide lights, water and police protection for the district and for all harbor and terminal facilities situated therein; and 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 when the same are offered for the use of the public.

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.