§243. Powers of board

The board may regulate the commerce and traffic of the harbor and port 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; it may own and have charge of, administer, contract for, operate and maintain wharves, sheds, belt and connecting railroads, canals, basins, and any and all structures and facilities necessary or proper for the use and development of the business of the district, including buildings and equipment for the accommodation of passengers and the handling, storage, transportation and delivery of freight, express and mail; it may lease or sell for manufacturing, commercial and business purposes, lands 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.