The exercise of the powers granted by this chapter 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, and as the acquisition, construction, operation, and maintenance by the authority of the projects as defined in this chapter as will constitute the performance of essential governmental functions, the authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon the projects or upon any property acquired or used by the authority under the provisions of this chapter or upon the income from the projects, and the bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter, their transfer and the income therefrom (including any profit made on the sale thereof) shall at all times be free from taxation within the state.