As used in this act the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:

    (a) The word “authority” shall mean the Mackinac bridge authority herein created.

    (b) The word “board” shall refer to the members of the authority.

    (c) The word “bridge” shall mean the project for the acquisition of which this act is adopted and shall mean a bridge or structure extending from the upper peninsula to the lower peninsula of Michigan, and shall be understood to include all of the following forming any part thereof or connected with or used or useful in the operation thereof: causeways, bridges, tunnels, roads, fills and approaches, or any combination thereof, parking space and facilities, park and recreation facilities, lighting facilities, terminal facilities, consisting of areas, structures and buildings in which rest rooms, waiting rooms, restaurant and similar facilities and other accommodations for the traveling public may be installed, including all fixtures, utility lines, accessories and equipment relating to any or all of the above, and including the improvement and beautification of such terminal areas at each end of the structure as may be designed to increase the use thereof, and including in all of the foregoing all real and personal property, tangible or intangible, licenses, franchises, easements and rights-of-way necessary thereto.

    (d) The term “cost of the bridge” shall include all expenditures made in connection with the acquisition and construction thereof, financing charges, interest to accrue on the bonds during the period occupied by the construction of the bridge and for such period thereafter as may be determined by the board, with the approval of the state administrative board, cost of engineering and legal expenses, plans, specifications and surveys, other expenses necessary or incidental to determining the feasibility of the project, the cost of all land, property, rights, easements and franchises, reimbursement of all money which may have been heretofore or may hereafter be paid or advanced by the state of Michigan or any of its agencies, departments or subdivisions for any of the foregoing, and all other expenses properly incident to the acquisition of the bridge and the issuance of the bonds.

    (e) The words “the state” shall mean the state of Michigan.