(b) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this subdivision, the authority and its corporate existence shall continue until terminated by law; provided, however, that no such law shall take effect so long as the authority shall have bonds or other obligations outstanding unless adequate provision has been made for the payment or satisfaction thereof. Upon termination of the existence of the authority, all of the rights, properties, responsibilities and liabilities of the authority then remaining shall pass to and vest in the county. 7. Nothing herein shall be construed to exempt the authority from the requirements set forth in the environmental conservation law and the regulations promulgated thereunder implementing the provisions of the state environmental quality review act. 8. It is hereby determined and declared that the authority and the carrying out of its powers and duties are in all respects for the benefit of the people of the county and the state for the improvement of their health, welfare and prosperity, and that such purposes are public purposes and that the authority is and will be performing an essential governmental function in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by this title. 9. Nothing in this title shall be construed to obligate the state in any way in connection with the operations or obligations of the authority.