OK HB2910

Amends 69 O.S. 2011, Section 4018 relating to the Oklahoma Waterways Advisory Board and the Waterways Branch of the Department of Transportation.

Modifies membership qualifications for the seven-member Oklahoma Waterways Advisory Board, changing one member position from requiring "economist with not less than five (5) continuous years of bona fide experience in inland navigation feasibility studies" to requiring "professional experience and expertise in shipping, freight logistics or construction, operation, maintenance and rehabilitation issues and possess demonstrated knowledge of the maritime and towing industry of transportation systems."

Board members are appointed by the Director of the Department of Transportation and include two Executive Directors from public ports (Catoosa and Muskogee), two members from private port operations with cargo handling facilities, one member from the public at large with specified expertise, and two at-large members from business and industry associated with inland navigation.

Board members serve without compensation or travel reimbursement and advise the Department of Transportation, Governor's office, and Legislature on waterways development and utilization.

Effective date is November 1, 2014.