(1) The water asset management council is created within the Michigan infrastructure council.

    (2) Subject to subsection (3), the water asset management council consists of the following members:

    (a) Nine voting members appointed by the Michigan infrastructure council as follows:

    (i) One member from the department.

    (ii) One member from the Michigan Municipal League.

    (iii) One member from the Michigan Townships Association.

    (iv) One member from the Michigan Association of Counties.

    (v) One member from the Michigan Association of Drain Commissioners.

    (vi) One member representing a regional drinking water, wastewater, or stormwater authority.

    (vii) One member representing a water infrastructure association.

    (viii) One member with drinking water, wastewater, or stormwater asset management experience.

    (ix) One member representing a region.

    (b) One ex officio, nonvoting member who has responsibilities related to the department of technology, management, and budget’s role as the central data storage agency under section 5008, appointed by the director of the department of technology, management, and budget.

    (3) The Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Townships Association, Michigan Association of Counties, and Michigan Association of Drain Commissioners shall each submit a list of 2 nominees to the Michigan infrastructure council from which the respective appointments under subsection (2) shall be made. Names shall be submitted within 60 days after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this section. The Michigan infrastructure council shall make the appointments within 30 days after the receipt of the lists.

    (4) Voting members of the water asset management council serve for terms of 3 years. However, of the initial appointments to the water asset management council, 3 shall serve for 1 year, 3 shall serve for 2 years, and 3 shall serve for 3 years. A vacancy on the water asset management council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

    (5) A member of the water asset management council may be removed for incompetence, dereliction of duty, malfeasance during his or her tenure in office, or any other cause considered appropriate by the Michigan infrastructure council.

    (6) At the first meeting of the water asset management council, the water asset management council shall select a chairperson from among its members.

    (7) The water asset management council may appoint advisory committees whose members shall serve as needed to provide research on issues and projects as determined by the water asset management council. An advisory committee member who is not a member of the water asset management council does not have voting rights on the advisory committee. A recommendation from the advisory committee appointed under this subsection is advisory only and is not binding.

    (8) The department shall provide qualified administrative staff and qualified technical assistance to the water asset management council.