Section 254.324a - Mackinac bridge authority; utility tunnel; service rates; duties; powers; property exempt from taxes(1) The Mackinac bridge authority may acquire, construct, operate, maintain, improve, repair, and manage a utility tunnel. The Mackinac bridge authority shall determine the rates charged for the services offered by the utility tunnel. The Mackinac bridge authority may enter into contracts or agreements necessary to perform its duties and powers under this act, including, but not limited to, leasing the right to use a utility tunnel on terms and for consideration determined by the Mackinac bridge authority. This subsection does not authorize the Mackinac bridge authority to incur obligations that would constitute an indebtedness of this state contrary to the state constitution of 1963.(2) The Mackinac bridge authority may purchase or otherwise acquire at a fair and reasonable price property and property rights in connection with the construction of a utility tunnel, including, but not limited to, roads, structures, rights-of-way, franchises, easements, and other interests in land, including land under water; the riparian rights of any person; and the right to cut off light, air, and access to real property.(3) The Mackinac bridge authority may enter on any public land, water, or premises to make a survey, sounding, or examination in connection with the construction of a utility tunnel. The Mackinac bridge authority has the right to use and full easements and rights-of-way through, across, under, and over any lands or property owned by this state or in which this state has any right, title, or interest, without consideration, that may be necessary or convenient to the construction and efficient operation of the utility tunnel.(4) The Mackinac bridge authority may perform all acts necessary to secure the consent of any department, agency, instrumentality, or officer of the United States government or this state to the construction and operation of a utility tunnel and the charging of fees for its use, and to secure the approval of any department, agency, instrumentality, or officer of the United States government or this state required by law to approve the plans, specifications, and location of the utility tunnel or the fees to be charged for the use of the utility tunnel.(5) The carrying out of the Mackinac bridge authority's purposes, including a utility tunnel, are for the benefit of the people of this state and constitute a public purpose, and the Mackinac bridge authority is performing an essential government function in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by this act. All property owned by the Mackinac bridge authority related to a utility tunnel is exempt from all taxes levied by this state and all of its political subdivisions and taxing districts, and the Mackinac bridge authority is not required to pay taxes or assessments upon its activities or upon any of its revenues. If a tax of any nature is legally imposed on any property or obligation of the Mackinac bridge authority in connection with a utility tunnel, and that tax is determined to be valid and effective, the tax shall be paid from the revenues of the Mackinac bridge authority as an expense of maintaining and operating the utility tunnel. Real property or personal property owned or used by an entity leasing or otherwise using the utility tunnel is not exempt from taxation.Added by 2018, Act 359,s 4, eff. 12/12/2018.