Missouri port authorities were created by the Missouri Legislature, which is the entity responsible for defining their purpose. One main goal is to improve port infrastructure and increase waterborne commerce. They can also own, develop, construct and maintain land for a number of purposes that include residential, commercial, mixed-use, recreation, industrial and port facilities. Their tools can save and renovate underutilized buildings, buildings of historic value, and blighted properties. They can also use their tools to advance riverfront development and to help create and connect transportation services like rail, truck and barge.