Summary of SB 1198

• Amends 69 O.S. 2011, Section 4018 to modify membership criteria for the Oklahoma Waterways Advisory Board from previous standards.

• Board consists of seven members: two Executive Directors from Port of Catoosa and Port of Muskogee, two from private port operations with waterfront cargo handling, one at-large member with professional experience in shipping/freight logistics or transportation systems, and two additional at-large members from inland navigation business/industry.

• Removes requirement that the at-large member be an economist with five years of specific inland navigation feasibility study experience, replacing it with requirement for professional experience and expertise in shipping, freight logistics, or construction/operation/maintenance of transportation systems.

• Board members serve without compensation or travel reimbursement and elect their own chairperson and vice-chairperson to provide advisory capacity to the Department of Transportation, Governor's office, and Legislature.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2014, with emergency declaration for immediate effect upon passage and approval.