Authorities organized pursuant to this chapter shall be exempt from (a) all laws relating to the advertising and award of construction contracts and purchase contracts made by or in behalf of the state and its departments and by or in behalf of local governmental authorities in the state (not including, however, laws relating to surety bond requirements for such contracts), and (b) from all jurisdiction of and all regulation and supervision by the Alabama Public Service Commission (other than rate regulation) or other successor or similar agency.
Ala. Code § 37-13-20 (1975)