The port authority shall foster and encourage the participation of private enterprise in the development of the port facilities to the fullest extent it deems practicable in the interest of limiting the necessity of construction and operation of such facilities by the port authority. For this purpose the port authority may upon a written request by any person, partnership, or corporation, filed with the secretary of the board of directors within thirty (30) days following the journalization of the order of the adoption of an official plan as provided in Sections 1107 and 1108 of this title, submit a proposal to provide, operate, and maintain any facility included in such plan, by publication of an invitation for bids therefor based upon specifications prepared by the board of directors.

The board of directors may accept the bid of the person, partnership, or corporation it deems best qualified by financial responsibility and business experience to construct and operate such facility or facilities in accordance with its official plan.