Public corporations may be formed under the provisions of this chapter for any one or more or all of the following purposes:
(1) To undertake and to make or cause to be made engineering, technical, financial, legal and other appropriate studies and surveys with respect to water, air or general environmental pollution problems and hazards within the area of operation;
(2) To construct, acquire, own and operate, singly or in conjunction with others, lease, sell and otherwise dispose of equipment, facilities and systems for the control, abatement or prevention of water, air or general environmental pollution; and
(3) To cooperate with and lend financial assistance and other aid to municipalities, communities, counties, industries and public and private corporations within and outside of the area of operation and within or outside of the boundaries of the State of Alabama in any matters and undertakings having to do with or the end purpose of which is the control, abatement or prevention of water, air or general environmental pollution.