RS 48:25: Operation or control of ferries, etc.

The department may take over, control, operate, and regulate such ferries, barges, or other means of transportation as it thinks necessary to the public. It may prescribe and collect such ferry charges or transfer charges as it thinks necessary to maintain these services. To that end, it may let franchises or enter into contracts for these services in the name of the state, alone or jointly with the parishes or municipalities of the state, or with other states, or with the political subdivisions of other states.