Tax exemption.

The exercise of the powers granted by ss. 159.44-159.53 in all respects will be for the benefit of the people of the state, for the increase of their industry and prosperity and the improvement of their health and living conditions, and for the provision of gainful employment and will constitute the performance of essential public functions, and the authority shall not be required to pay any taxes on any project or any other property owned by the authority under the provisions of ss. 159.44-159.53 or upon the income therefrom. The bonds issued under the provisions of ss. 159.44-159.53, their transfer, and the income therefrom (including any profit made on the sale thereof), and all notes, mortgages, security agreements, letters of credit, or other instruments which arise out of or are given to secure the repayment of bonds issued in connection with any project financed under this part, shall at all times be free from taxation by the state or any local unit or political subdivision or other instrumentality of the state. Nothing in this section, however, shall be construed as exempting from taxation or assessments the leasehold interest of any lessee in any project or any other property or interest owned by any lessee. The exemption granted by this section shall not be applicable to any tax imposed by chapter 220 on interest, income, or profits on debt obligations owned by corporations.