In each city and in each county of the state there is hereby created a public body corporate and politic to be known as the "housing authority" of the city or county; provided, that the authority shall not transact any business or exercise its powers hereunder until or unless the governing body of the city or county, as the case may be, by proper resolution declares that there is need for an authority to function in the city or county.

The governing body shall give consideration as to the need for an authority (1) on its own motion or (2) upon the filing of a petition signed by not less than five percent (5%) of the qualified voters of the city or county, as the case may be, asserting that there is need for an authority to function in the city or county and requesting that its governing body so declare.

The governing body shall adopt a resolution declaring there is need for an authority in the city or county, as the case may be, if it finds (1) that insanitary or unsafe inhabited dwelling accommodations exist in the city or county, and (2) that there is a shortage of safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations in the city or county available to persons of low income at rentals or prices they can afford. If the governing body declares a need for housing exists, as set forth in (1) and (2) of this paragraph, said governing body shall issue notice of such need and the number of housing units proposed in a newspaper having a general circulation in the area in which the need is certified. Such notice shall set forth the facts that said declaration of need is final, if not protested within thirty (30) days from date of said notice by the method provided in the next succeeding paragraph.

Provided, however, that if a petition signed by not less than five percent (5%) of the legal registered voters of the city or county affected, as the case may be, is submitted to the governing body within thirty (30) days of the adoption of said resolution then said resolution shall be ineffective until approved by a majority of those voting on the question at a special or general election; provided that in the event said resolution is not approved by a majority of those voting at any special or general election, then the same or a similar resolution shall not be adopted by the governing body for a period of one (1) year thereafter.

Provided further, however, in all cities and counties of less than two hundred thousand (200,000) population, according to the last Federal Decennial Census, all projects not authorized prior to July 1, 1968, shall be ineffective until approved by a majority of those voting on the question at a special or general election; except projects authorized under the provisions of Section 1057 of this act.

In any suit, action or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of or relating to any contract of the authority, an authority shall be conclusively deemed to have become established and authorized to transact business and exercise its powers upon proof of the adoption of the resolution and proof of the approval by a majority of the voters as herein prescribed. A copy of the resolution duly certified by the clerk shall be admissible in evidence in any suit, action or proceeding.

Laws 1965, c. 251, § 5; Laws 1967, c. 339, § 2; Laws 1969, c. 281, § 2, emerg. eff. April 25, 1969.