There is created a state commission to be known and designated as the Michigan state waterways commission. The commission shall consist of 7 members, who shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. The term of office of each member shall be 3 years, except that of members first appointed, 2 shall be appointed for 1 year, 2 shall be appointed for 2 years, and 1 shall be appointed for 3 years. Not less than 2 members shall reside north of townline 16, 1 of whom shall reside in the upper peninsula and 1 of whom shall reside in the lower peninsula. One of the members shall be an individual who owns or operates a harbor or marina in this state at the time of his or her appointment and during his or her membership on the commission. One member shall be a representative of the marine-trades industry who does not own or operate a harbor or marina. The first term of the individual who owns or operates a harbor or marina shall expire on September 18, 1989. The first term of the marine-trade representative who does not own or operate a harbor or marina shall expire on September 18, 1988. A member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring other than by expiration of a term shall be appointed for the unexpired term. Members shall qualify by taking and filing the constitutional oath of office. A member of the commission shall not receive a salary for his or her services as a commissioner, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performance of official duties. The members of the commission may be removed by the governor for inefficiency, neglect of duty, misuse of office, or malfeasance in office, in the manner provided by law for the removal of other public officers for similar causes. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments. The commission shall, immediately upon its appointment, organize, adopt a seal, and make, amend, and revise the rules necessary for the administration of the commission's duties under this part. The commission at the organization meeting shall elect from its members a chairperson and vice-chairperson to serve for 1 year and annually thereafter shall elect such officers, each to serve until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. Action shall not be taken by the commission with less than a majority assent of its members. The department of management and budget shall provide suitable offices and equipment for the use of the commission.
MCL 324.78102