It is hereby found, determined, and declared that the acquisition of a major league baseball franchise and a major league baseball stadium will result in substantial economic development in the Commonwealth and is in all respects for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth and is a public purpose and that the Authority will be performing an essential government function in the exercise of the powers conferred by this chapter.
1996, cc. 950, 1038, § 15.1-227.89; 1997, c. 587.