The counties, other municipalities within the area of operation and the authority, in carrying out their respective powers and duties under this title, shall be deemed to be acting in a governmental capacity. The construction, operation and maintenance of any project financed in whole or in part by the authority shall be deemed to be the performance of an essential governmental function by the authority acting in its governmental capacity, whether such project shall be owned or operated by the authority or by any person or other public corporation.
New York Legal Code