Section 353. Purposes of the authority and benefits therefrom

The
  authority is created to and shall  have  power  to  finance,  construct,
  reconstruct,  improve,  develop, maintain or operate a thruway system as
  provided by and subject to the provisions of this  title  together  with
  facilities  for  the  public  incidental thereto. It is hereby found and
  declared that such purposes are in all respects for the benefit  of  the
  people  of  the  state  of  New York for the increase of their pleasure,
  convenience and  welfare,  for  the  improvement  of  their  health,  to
  facilitate  transportation for their recreation and commerce and for the
  common defense; and the authority shall  be  regarded  as  performing  a
  governmental  function  in  carrying  out  its  corporate purpose and in
  exercising the powers granted by this title.