(a) There is created a body corporate and politic to be known as the Jekyll Island--State Park Authority, which shall be deemed to be an instrumentality of the state and a public corporation, and by that name, style, and title such body may contract and be contracted with, sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, and complain and defend in all courts. The authority may delegate to one or more of its members, or to its officers, agents, and employees, such powers and duties as it may deem proper. The authority shall exist for 99 years.

(b) The authority is assigned to the Department of Natural Resources for administrative purposes only.