The commission shall constitute an instrumentality of the state of Louisiana exercising public and essential governmental functions; and the exercise by the commission of the powers conferred by this Chapter in the establishment, operation and maintenance of the waterway and the acquisition, construction, operation and maintenance of the various port and related facilities hereinafter authorized shall be deemed and held to be essential governmental functions of the state of Louisiana.  As the exercise of the powers granted hereby will be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions, the commission shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any property acquired or used by the commission under the provisions of this Chapter, or upon the income therefrom, and any property acquired or used by the commission under the provisions of this Chapter and the income therefrom, and any bonds issued hereunder and the income therefrom shall be exempt from taxation by the state of Louisiana and by any parish, municipality or political subdivision of the state.  The commission shall not be deemed to be a public utility and shall not be subject in any respect to the authority, control or supervision of the Louisiana Public Service Commission or any other regulatory body of the state or any political subdivision thereof.  

Added by Acts 1982, No. 398, §1.