For the purpose of carrying into effect the objects and purposes of this article the board of commissioners shall have full power and authority to negotiate and enter into contract or contracts with the federal government or any of its agencies, the Mississippi State Highway Commission, the state highway commission of any adjoining state where said bridge may be located, any counties, cities, or town of the State of Mississippi or of any adjoining state whereby the district may receive financial aid in the construction, maintenance, and operation of said bridge and approaches thereto; to contract for the joint ownership thereof and the means and manner of operating and maintaining said bridge and approaches thereto. The powers herein granted to the board of commissioners shall have broad and liberal construction for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this article.