254.311 Mackinac bridge authority; definitions; scope of act.

Sec. 1.

    As used in this act:

    (a) "Authority" means the Mackinac bridge authority created in 1950 (Ex Sess) PA 21, MCL 254.301 to 254.302. This subdivision does not apply to sections 14a, 14b, 14d, and 14e.

    (b) "Board" means the members of the authority. This subdivision does not apply to section 14b.

    (c) "Bridge" means the project for the acquisition of which this act is adopted and means a bridge or structure extending from the Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, and includes all of the following forming any part of the bridge or connected with or used or useful in the operation of the bridge, causeways, bridges, tunnels, roads, fills and approaches, or any combination thereof, parking space and facilities, park and recreation facilities, lighting facilities, terminal facilities consisting of areas, structures, and buildings in which rest rooms, waiting rooms, restaurant and similar facilities, and other accommodations for the traveling public may be installed, including all fixtures, utility lines, accessories, and equipment relating to any or all of the above, and including the improvement and beautification of terminal areas at each end of the structure as may be designed to increase the use of the structure, and including all real and personal property, tangible or intangible, licenses, franchises, easements, and rights-of-way necessary thereto.

    (d) "Cost of the bridge" includes all expenditures made in connection with the acquisition and construction of the bridge, financing charges, interest to accrue on the bonds during the period occupied by the construction of the bridge and for a period after construction of the bridge as determined by the board, the aggregate of such periods, however, not to exceed 7 years, cost of engineering and legal expenses, plans, specifications and surveys, other expenses necessary or incidental to determining the feasibility of the project, the cost of all land, property, rights, easements and franchises, reimbursement of all money that may have been or will be paid or advanced by the state of Michigan or any of its agencies, departments, or subdivisions, and all other expenses properly incident to the acquisition of the bridge and the issuance of the bonds.

    (e) "The state" means the state of Michigan.

    (f) "The bonds" means all bonds authorized to be issued by this act.

    (g) "To construct" means to acquire through construction, purchase, gift, condemnation, or any combination thereof.