Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a project operator who otherwise qualifies under this chapter may, upon application consistent with the provisions of this chapter, receive a partial or complete exemption from ad valorem taxation on any existing structure used in or necessary to the operation of the project for a period not exceeding five years from the date of commencement of project operations in the structure. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 1988, the governing body of a municipality may grant additional exemptions of property under this section during a period not exceeding ten years from the date of commencement of project operations in the structure if the structure is owned by the United States, the state, or a political subdivision of the state and leased to the project operator. The project operator shall apply to the governing body of the municipality annually for the exemption and the governing body of the municipality may grant the exemption for only one year at a time.