Mackinac bridge authority; bridge construction, bond proceeds; property acquisition and condemnation, surveys, easements.

The authority is hereby authorized and empowered to construct a suitable bridge (as “construct” and “bridge” are above defined) joining and linking together the upper peninsula and the lower peninsula of Michigan and to operate, maintain, improve and repair such bridge. The cost of such construction of the bridge shall be paid from the proceeds of bonds issued hereunder and from any other funds legally available for the payment of such cost: Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to permit the authority to incur obligations which would constitute an indebtedness of the state within the meaning of any constitutional prohibition or limitation. In connection with the construction of the bridge the authority is hereby empowered to purchase or otherwise acquire all property and rights necessary thereto, including but not limited to roads, structures, rights-of-way, franchises, easements and other interests in lands, including lands under water, and the riparian rights of any person, natural or corporate, political entity or political subdivision, and including the right to cut off light, air and access to real property, upon such terms and at such prices as may be fair and reasonable. Whenever it shall become necessary, any such property may be condemned and the authority is hereby empowered in its discretion to condemn any property or interest therein which it may deem necessary for such purpose. In the condemnation of property or interest therein, the authority may proceed under any act applicable thereto, or it may invoke and proceed under the provisions of Act No. 149 of the Public Acts of 1911, as now or hereafter amended, and in so doing shall have all the rights, powers and privileges granted to “public corporations” as defined in that act. The authority may enter on any lands, waters and premises for the purpose of making surveys, soundings and examinations. The state of Michigan hereby expressly grants to the authority, without consideration, the right to use, and full easements and rights-of-way through, across, under and over any lands or property owned by the state or in which the state has any right, title or interest, which may be necessary or convenient to the construction and efficient operation of the bridge.