(a) The authority may enter into an interlocal agreement with this state or a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state to jointly provide, and share the costs of, security for the ship channels and waterways in the authority's jurisdiction.
(b) To protect the public interest, the authority may contract with a qualified party, including the federal government, Nueces County, or San Patricio County, for the provision of law enforcement services in all or part of the authority's jurisdiction.