(a) The rentals contracted to be paid by lessees to the authority under leases entered upon pursuant to this article shall constitute obligations of the state for the payment of which the good faith of the state is pledged. Such rentals shall be paid as provided in the lease contracts from funds appropriated for such purposes by the terms of the Constitution of Georgia. It shall be the duty of the Governor and the board to see to the punctual payment of all such rentals. In the event of any failure or refusal on the part of lessees punctually to perform any covenant or obligation contained in any lease entered upon pursuant to this article, the authority may enforce performance by any legal or equitable process against lessees; and consent is given for the institution of any such action.

(b) The authority shall be permitted to assign to a trustee or paying agent any rental due it by the lessees, as may be required by the terms of any trust indenture entered into by the authority.