Alaska Statutes Title 19. Highways and Ferries § 19.65.180. Powers, duties, and functions

(a) After the commissioner of transportation and public facilities has considered one or more candidates for the position of director or deputy commissioner of the Alaska marine highway system, the commissioner shall confer with the board regarding that candidate or those candidates before making an appointment to that position. The selection of those candidates shall be without regard to political affiliation.

(b) The board may establish volunteer regional advisory committees. The purpose of the advisory committees is to provide recommendations to the board regarding concerns from the region of the members who constitute the advisory committee.

(c) The board may issue reports and recommendations and shall, in cooperation with the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, prepare and submit to the department and the governor for review a strategic plan that includes the mission, core values, objectives, initiatives, and performance goals of the Alaska marine highway system.

(d) The board may receive information from the department as the board considers necessary to carry out its duties, and the department shall provide information requested by the board in a timely and responsive manner.

(e) The board shall provide advice and recommendations to the commissioner of transportation and public facilities concerning the operation and management of the Alaska marine highway system, including advice and recommendations regarding business to enhance revenue and reduce costs, personnel management, commercial service options, ship maintenance, construction, and repair, fleet strategy, reliability, and regulatory compliance, and other service objectives.

(f) If the board determines that the Alaska marine highway system has deviated from a plan, policy, or procedure described in the short-term plan or comprehensive long-range plan prepared under AS 19.65.011, the board may prepare a report recommending corrective action. The board shall submit an electronic report prepared under this subsection to the legislature and the governor and shall make the report available to the public.

(g) The board may establish a task force that includes members who are not members of the board and that is tasked with investigating matters relevant to the Alaska marine highway system and reporting to the board. Members of a task force established under this subsection are not entitled to receive a salary, per diem, or travel expenses.

(h) The board shall annually submit recommendations to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities regarding the preparation of the statewide transportation improvement program.