(a) A district organized under the provisions of the constitution or laws of this state and created for the development of deep water navigation may borrow money and may mortgage and encumber part or all of its properties and facilities, the franchise, revenue, and income from the operation of its properties and facilities and everything pertaining to its properties and facilities to secure the payment of funds to purchase, build, improve, enlarge, extend, or repair any of its wharves, docks, warehouses, levees, bulkheads, canals, waterways, or other aids to navigation.
(b) As additional security, the encumbrance may pledge the net income and revenue from the operation of properties and facilities of the district and may provide for a grant, to a purchaser under sale or foreclosure, of a franchise to operate, subject to all regulatory laws, the encumbered property and facilities for a term of not more than 20 years from the date of purchase.
Official text of the Texas Water Code as published by the Texas Legislative Council.