It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this title to provide for a unified, comprehensive institutional structure for the ownership and governance of a water transportation system that shall provide comprehensive water transportation and emergency coordination services for the bay area region. It is further the intent of the Legislature that the authority established by this act shall succeed to the powers, duties, obligations, liabilities, immunities, and exemptions of any general purpose local government or special district that operates or sponsors water transit, except the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.