There shall be three members of the Thames River Valley Flood Control Commission appointed from Connecticut who shall act as commissioners for the state of Connecticut to execute, with representatives of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Thames River Valley Flood Control Compact and shall have the powers and duties provided in the compact. On or before May first in the even-numbered years the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint one member of the commission whose term of office shall be six years, commencing the first day of July following his appointment and until his successor is appointed and has qualified. Any vacancy in the membership of the commission from Connecticut shall be filled by the Governor for the unexpired portion of the term.