114 STAT. 2763A-298 PUBLIC LAW 106-554—APPENDIX D for a definite term may serve after expiration of the term until the successor of the member is appointed. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the term for which the predecessor was appointed. Any vacancy on the Commission shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. (d) COMPENSATION. — Members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for their service on the Commission. Members of the Commission, other than employees of the State and Canal Corporation, while away from their homes or regular places of business to perform services for the Commission, shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in Government service are allowed under section 5703 of title 5, United States Code. (e) ELECTION OF OFFICES. —The Commission shall elect the chairperson and the vice chairperson on an annual basis. The vice chairperson shall serve as the chairperson in the absence of the chairperson. (f) QUORUM AND VOTING.— Fourteen members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings. Any member of the Commission may vote by means of a signed proxy exercised by another member of the Commission, however, any member voting by proxy shall not be considered present for purposes of establishing a quorum. For the transaction of any business or the exercise of any power of the Commission, the Commission shall have the power to act by a majority vote of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is in attendance. (g) MEETINGS. — The Commission shall meet at least quarterly at the call of the chairperson or 14 of its members. Notice of Commission meetings and agendas for the meeting shall be published in local newspapers throughout the Corridor. Meetings of the Commission shall be subject to section 552b of title 5, United States Code (relating to open meetings). (h) POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.—To the extent that Federal funds are appropriated, the Commission is authorized— (1) to procure temporary and intermittent services and administrative facilities at rates determined to be reasonable by the Commission to carry out the responsibilities of the Commission; (2) to request and accept the services of personnel detailed from the State of New York or any political subdivision, and to reimburse the State or political subdivision for such services; (3) to request and accept the services of any Federal agency personnel, and to reimburse the Federal agency for such services; (4) to appoint and fix the compensation of staff to carry out its duties; (5) to enter into cooperative agreements with the State of New York, with any political subdivision of the State, or any person for the purposes of carrying out the duties of the Commission; (6) to make grants to assist in the preparation and implementation of the Canalway Plan; (7) to seek, accept, and dispose of gifts, bequests, grants, or donations of money, personal property, or services, received
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