Ala. Code § 33-15-2

In the interest of the unified development of Bear Creek and its tributaries and watershed, for the purposes of navigation, water conservation and supply, flood control, irrigation, industrial development, public recreation and related purposes, there is hereby authorized, and shall be established as hereinafter provided, a development authority for the Alabama portion of the Bear Creek Watershed. The authority, when incorporated in accordance herewith, shall be a public corporation and a political subdivision of the State of Alabama, composed of a board of directors selected and empowered as hereinafter provided.