Ala. Code § 33-2-151
In addition to the authority granted to the state by the provisions of any other law, the state is hereby expressly authorized and empowered, at an additional cost to the state of not exceeding $10,000,000.00, in promoting and aiding the commercial flow of agricultural products within the state or in aid of commerce and use of the waterways of the state, to engage in works of internal improvement by promoting, developing, constructing, maintaining and operating within the state or along navigable streams and waterways now or hereafter existing within the state, all manner of facilities, all pursuant to the provisions of the 1969 Docks Amendment. All such works, improvements and facilities shall always be and remain under the management and control of the department. The department shall be the agency of the state by which the state shall accomplish the acquisition, construction, maintenance and operation of facilities hereunder and shall, in general, accomplish the purposes of this article. The use of revenues derived from operation of facilities shall not be deemed incurring of cost by the state within the meaning of this section.
Ala. Code § 33-2-151 (1975)