Ala. Code § 33-2-6

In acquiring rights-of-way and property necessary for the construction of railroads and structures, including railroad crossings, wharves, piers, elevators, compresses, warehouses, improvements and riparian and littoral terminals and structures and convenient approaches thereto in furtherance of the purposes of this article, the Alabama State Docks Department shall have the power to acquire same by gift, lease, purchase, negotiation or condemnation, and, in condemning property, it may proceed in any manner authorized by the general laws of the state for proceedings by any county, municipality or corporation organized under the laws of this state to acquire property by condemnation, subject to the restrictions contained in this article.