The commissioner shall, on behalf of the state, consult and cooperate with appropriate federal authorities regarding any river or harbor improvement or other improvement in facilities or services relating to transportation by water, or the construction of any bridge over the navigable waters of the state. The commissioner shall confer with representatives of municipalities, businesses and other organizations concerning the maintenance of adequate water terminal facilities, shall promote greater coordination between water and other modes of transportation, shall advise relative to the proper mechanical devices for handling freight, and shall adopt such other means, by surveys and recommendations, as will conserve and develop transportation by water.