Gov. Code, § 39731

By gift, purchase, or eminent domain, a legislative body may acquire any existing ferry system, including any franchise or license, boats and vessels, land and interest in land, slips, wharves, piers, landing places, approaches, and equipment and facilities used or for use in the maintenance and operation thereof. The legislative body may operate the ferry system as a toll or free ferry upon navigable waters within or adjacent to the city boundaries. The cost of acquisition and operation may be paid from the city general fund, from revenues of the ferry system, or from any other funds that may be legally applied to such purpose.