53 Pa. Stat. § 14212
It shall and may be lawful for cities of the first class to purchase and hold, in fee simple, any and all properties and improvements extending into the navigable streams in front of said cities, and the rights and privileges appertaining thereto, and to totally remove, alter or modify the location, dimensions or character of construction of the same, in conformity with the plans and lines established by the secretary of war, under the authority of Congress, in order to improve and further the commercial interests of the said cities, and of this commonwealth: Provided, That such action shall be taken only in pursuance to and in conformity with the recommendation of the board of harbor commissioners, approved by the board of port wardens: And provided further, That such action shall be taken only in pursuance to ordinances therefor duly enacted by the councils of said cities, which said ordinances shall clearly define the character and extent of the treatment of said properties and improvements respectively, so to be acquired for said purposes.
53 P.S. § 14212