The commission shall constitute a nonprofit governmental agency whose funds shall be used exclusively for public purposes. The commission shall have tax exempt status, and the properties of the commission and the income therefrom, together with all leases, agreements, and contracts made by it, shall be forever exempt from any and all taxation by the State of Alabama and any political subdivision thereof, including, but not limited to, income, admission, amusement, excise, and ad valorem taxes.
Ala. Code § 45-26A-70.03 (1975)