(a) If a vacancy occurs on the board, a majority of the remaining commissioners shall appoint a successor to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(b) For purposes of this chapter, the successor commissioner is treated as an elected commissioner.
(c) The legislature finds that it is in the best interest of public welfare, general benefit, and the assurance of proper development of marine shipping that:
(1) the commissioners be representatives of all areas of the port authority; and
(2) if a commissioner no longer resides in the precinct from which elected, the commissioner's office is vacant.