(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.