Ala. Code § 33-1-12.1

In addition to the powers conferred in this chapter and by other applicable law, the port authority shall have the following powers:

(1) To have and use a corporate seal and to alter the same at pleasure.

(2) To exercise the right of eminent domain as freely and completely, and in the same manner, as the state has that power now or at any time hereafter, and the power of eminent domain shall apply not only as to all property of private persons or corporations but also as to property already devoted to public use.

(3) To acquire by purchase, gift, the exercise of the power of eminent domain, or other lawful means, sell, rent, lease, and otherwise dispose of real, personal, or mixed property in its own name, and to construct, improve, renovate, equip, and maintain the docks and its facilities.

(4) To receive, take, and hold by sale, gift, lease, devise, eminent domain, or other lawful means, real and personal estate of every description in its own name, and to manage the same.

(5) To appoint and employ attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, underwriters, trustees, depositories, registrars, and other advisors, agents, and independent contractors as the business of the docks may require.

(6) To enter into contracts with municipalities, counties, agencies, or political subdivisions of the state or any other state, private persons, firms, corporations, and any branch of the federal government, in furtherance of its public purposes and objects, and as necessary and convenient to the exercise of its other powers and to the discharge of its duties and obligations, either relative to work done or to be done.