Port authority; additional powers.

Sec. 9. An authority may do 1 or more of the following: (a) Appear on its own behalf before any of the following: (i) Boards, commissions, departments, or other agencies of the federal government or of any state or international conferences and before committees of the congress of the United States and the state legislature in all matters relating to the design, establishment, construction, extension, operation, improvement, repair, or maintenance of a project operated, maintained, financed, or supported by the authority under this act. (ii) Any federal or state agencies in matters relating to transportation rates, port services and charges, demurrage, switching, wharfage, towage, pilotage, differentials, discriminations, labor relations, trade practices, river and harbor improvements, aids to navigation, permits for structures in navigable waters, and all other matters affecting the physical development of, and the business interest of, the authority and those it serves. (b) Apply for, receive, and accept from a federal, state, or municipal agency, foundation, public or private agency, or individual, a grant or loan for, or in aid of, the planning, construction, operation, or financing of a facility, and receive and accept contributions from any source of money, property, labor, or other things of value, to be held, used, and applied for the purposes for which the grant or contribution is made. (c) Appoint an executive director. All of the following apply to an executive director appointed under this subdivision: (i) The executive director is the chief executive officer of the authority. (ii) The authority may delegate any of its administrative powers and authorizations to the executive director. (iii) During employment, the executive director shall not have a financial interest in facilities or projects over which the authority has jurisdiction or power or authorization to act. (d) Employ personnel as necessary and employ the services of private consultants and engineers, legal counsel, accountants, construction and financial experts, and other agents for rendering professional and technical assistance and advice as necessary. The authority shall determine the compensation of persons employed by the authority, including the executive director.