Ala. Code § 16-47-13

The Federal Bureau of Mines, Department of the Interior, has established and located a mining experiment station at the University of Alabama, the continuance of such station being conditioned upon the performance of certain obligations on the part of the University of Alabama prescribed by the federal government. The University of Alabama is authorized to meet and perform said obligations out of any funds appropriated for that purpose or which may hereafter be appropriated for that purpose. Said School of Mines of Alabama is hereby authorized to cooperate and collaborate with said station in the carrying on of its work.