(a) The owners of 75% of the real property in a proposed district, or 75% of the owners of real property in a proposed district, may present a written petition to the governing body of each county where the property lies to request the creation of a shore erosion control district.
(b) The petition shall describe the proposed boundaries of the shore erosion control district.
(c) (1) On receipt of a petition, the governing body of the county shall refer the petition to the Department of Natural Resources.
(2) (i) The Department of Natural Resources shall review the petition and submit a report to the governing body of the county.
(ii) The report shall contain:
1. the Department’s recommendation concerning the feasibility and need for a shore erosion control district;
2. a description of the area to be included in the shore erosion control district;
3. plans for erosion control; and
4. estimated costs for any projects recommended for erosion control.
(d) On receipt of the report, the governing body of the county may:
(1) establish the shore erosion control district; and
(2) designate the area to be included in the shore erosion control district.