A. The authority shall be governed by a board of nine commissioners, consisting of the secretary of the Department of Economic Development and the secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development, or their designees; five commissioners appointed by the governor to be chosen on the basis of their demonstrated experience in maritime or business leadership, or both, and their stature and ability to act effectively for the best interests of Louisiana as provided in Paragraph (B)(1) of this Section; and two commissioners, who are members of the legislature, serving as provided in Paragraph (B)(2) of this Section. The appointed commissioners shall not be appointed or elected commissioners or board members of any other Louisiana port.

            B.(1) Commissioners shall be chosen as follows:

            (a) One member selected from a list of three nominees submitted by the Ports Association of Louisiana.

            (b) One member selected from a list of three nominees submitted by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.

            (c) One member at large.

            (d) One member selected by the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations.

            (e) One member selected from a list of two nominees, with the Louisiana River Pilots’ Association and the Louisiana Maritime Association each submitting one nominee.

            (2)(a) One member shall be the senator who represents the district where the project is located or his designee. The senator’s term on the board shall run concurrent with his term in office.

            (b) One member shall be the representative who represents the district where the project is located or his designee. The representative’s term on the board shall run concurrent with his term in office.

            (3) Except as otherwise provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, the commissioners appointed shall be appointed for terms of six years. A member shall serve until his successor is appointed unless removed as provided for in Paragraph (C)(1) of this Section. A commissioner may be reappointed, but no commissioner shall serve more than two consecutive terms.

            C.(1) Each appointment by the governor shall be submitted to the Senate for confirmation and may be removed by the governor with cause at his discretion.

            (2) All vacancies shall be filled in the same manner and the appointee shall have the proper qualifications.

            D. The members of the board of commissioners shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in attending meetings or performing duties authorized by the board of commissioners at rates and standards as promulgated by the division of administration.

            Acts 2008, No. 699, §1, eff. July 1, 2008; Acts 2009, No. 237, §1; Acts 2012, No. 775, §§1, 2, eff. June 12, 2012; Acts 2020, 2^nd Ex. Sess., No. 51, §1, eff. Nov. 5, 2020.