ORS 777.715: Ports may pay bonuses in aid of water transportation and may charter vessels.

(1) By the payment of bonuses to a person engaged or preparing to engage in the operation of water transportation lines, a port may:

      (a) Aid in establishing water transportation lines between the port and any other domestic or foreign port or ports; and

      (b) Aid in establishing water transportation lines on the interior rivers of this state, on the rivers between Washington and Oregon, or on the rivers of Washington and Idaho reached by navigation from Oregon’s rivers.

      (2) A port may charter vessels.