The construction, maintenance and operation of the Narrows Bridge are and will be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the States of New Jersey and New York, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity and for the improvement of their health and living conditions and shall be deemed to be public purposes; and the Port Authority shall be regarded as performing an essential governmental function in undertaking the construction, maintenance and operation thereof and in carrying out the provisions of law relating thereto.

L.1956, c. 12, p. 46, s. 11.