(a) On July 1, 2018, there is established the Ocoee River recreation and economic development fund board. The board shall be attached to the department of environment and conservation for administrative purposes, but shall be independent of the department.

(b)

(1) The board shall consist of nine (9) voting members as follows:

(A) The manager of the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park;

(B) The comptroller of the treasury, or the comptroller's designee;

(C) The state treasurer, or the treasurer's designee;

(D) The Polk County mayor;

(E) One (1) member, appointed by the governor, who represents economic development interests;

(F) One (1) member, appointed by the governor, who represents private boater interests; and

(G) Three (3) members, appointed by the governor, who are Ocoee River management zone commercial permit holders.

(2) The following shall serve as ex officio, nonvoting members of the board:

(A) The commissioner of environment and conservation, or the commissioner's designee;

(B) The commissioner of tourism, or the commissioner's designee;

(C) The commissioner of economic and community development, or the commissioner's designee;

(D) The executive director of the wildlife resources agency, or the executive director's designee;

(E) The member of the house of representatives whose legislative district includes the majority of the Ocoee River management zone; and

(F) The member of the senate whose legislative district includes the majority of the Ocoee River management zone.

(c) Appointed board members shall serve four-year, renewable terms. In order that the members of the board serve staggered terms, the initial appointments to the board shall consist of:

(1) One (1) commercial permit holder member to serve a term of two (2) years;

(2) One (1) commercial permit holder member and one (1) private boater member to serve a term of three (3) years; and

(3) One (1) commercial permit holder member and one (1) economic development member to serve a term of four (4) years.

(d) The initial members of the board shall be appointed by June 15, 2018, and take office on July 1, 2018. All subsequent appointments shall be made by June 15, begin on July 1, and expire on June 30 of the appropriate years.

(e) Should a board position become vacant through resignation, removal, or other cause, the governor shall appoint a new member to serve the unexpired term. A board member shall continue to serve on the board after the expiration of the member's term until a new member is appointed.

(f) Seven (7) members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business.

(g) Board members shall receive no compensation for their service on the board, but may be reimbursed for those expenses allowed by the comprehensive travel regulations, as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.