As used in this act:

    (a) "Commissioner" means the department of labor and economic opportunity.

    (b) "Construction mechanic" means a skilled or unskilled mechanic, laborer, worker, helper, assistant, or apprentice working on a state project but shall not include executive, administrative, professional, office, or custodial employees.

    (c) "Contracting agent" means any officer, school board, board or commission of the state, or a state institution supported in whole or in part by state funds, authorized to enter into a contract for a state project or to perform a state project by the direct employment of labor.

    (d) "Locality" means the county, city, village, township, or school district in which the physical work on a state project is to be performed.

    (e) "State project" means new construction, alteration, repair, installation, painting, decorating, completion, demolition, conditioning, reconditioning, or improvement of public buildings, schools, works, bridges, highways, or roads authorized by a contracting agent.