1. Honey creek resort state park is established to provide important recreational and economic benefits to the state.
 2. Competitive bid laws, including hearings in connection with contracts, shall not apply to either the department‘s or its agents’ contracts involving or benefitting the resort if the contract is carrying out a public or essential governmental function. However, the exemption from competitive bid laws in this section shall not be construed to apply to contracts for the development or construction of facilities at the resort, including but not limited to lodges, campgrounds, cabins, and golf courses.