Overview
A port authority may operate a port that includes all real and personal property, structures, machinery, equipment, and appurtenances or facilities that are part of the port or used or useful in connection with the port either as facilities for the convenience or handling equipment, passengers, and freight or as part of port or port facilities operation. In the process of operating a port, a port authority may:

1. Promote, stimulate, develop, and advance the general welfare, commerce, economic development, and prosperity of its jurisdiction and of the state and its citizens;
2. Endeavor to increase the volume of commerce within the jurisdiction of the port authority and the state through planning, advertising, acquisition, establishment, development, construction, improvement, maintenance, equipment, operation, regulation and protection of transportation, storage, or other facilities that promote the safe, efficient, and economical handling of commerce, and through having foreign trade zone authority.
3. Cooperate and act in conjunction with other organizations, public or private, in the development of commerce, industry, manufacturing, services, natural resources, agriculture, livestock, recreation, tourism, health care, and other economic activity in the state; and
4. Support the creation, expansion, modernization, retention, and relocation of new and existing businesses and industries in the state and otherwise stimulate, assist in, and support the growth of all kinds of economic activity that will tend to promote commerce and business development, maintain the economic stability and prosperity of its jurisdiction and of the state, and thus provide maximum opportunities for employment and improvement in the standard of living of citizens of the state.

Appointment, Membership, Term
A municipal port authority is created by resolution of its governing body which is authorized to exercise its functions upon the appointment and qualification of the first commissioners of the authority. The governing body by resolution may determine to exercise any of all powers granted to the authority in Chapter 11-36 of the North Dakota Century Code until the powers have been conferred upon a port authority.

Upon adoption of a resolution creating a municipal port authority, the governing body of the municipality shall appoint, pursuant to the resolution, 5 persons as commissioners of the port authority. The commissioners who are first appointed are designated to serve for terms of 1,2,3,4 and 5 years, respectively, but thereafter, each commissioner must be appointed for a term of five years, except that vacancies occurring otherwise than by expiration of the term must be filled for the unexpired term by the governing body.