(a) The department may purchase, construct, maintain, operate, or control a ferry that crosses:
(1) a bay, arm, channel, or saltwater lake emptying into the Gulf of Mexico;
(2) an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico; or
(3) a river or other navigable body of water.
(b) This section applies only if:
(1) the ferry connects designated state highways; or
(2) the ferry connects a designated highway of this state and a designated highway of an adjoining state that by statute provides for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of a ferry jointly by the states and for public use of the ferry as the states agree.
(c) The department shall use money from the state highway fund to carry out this section.