(a) The Legislature recognizes that Port Hueneme is unique in its relationship to the coast in that it is the only deep water port operated by a harbor district, and is without access to city or county funds. Therefore, the governing body of Port Hueneme may claim reimbursement of costs it incurs in the preparation and certification of a port master plan as required by this chapter.

(b) Prior to submitting any claim for reimbursement, the governing body of the port shall submit its proposed claims to the executive director of the commission for review and approval and shall provide adequate documentation to enable the executive director to make the following determinations:

(1) That the work done was directly attributable to the operation of this chapter.

(2) That the work done is reasonably related to, and appears to be necessary for, the preparation of a certifiable port master plan for the geographic area within the port’s jurisdiction as identified by the commission pursuant to Section 30710.

(3) That the governing body of a port is not reimbursed for the costs of the work from any other source.

The executive director of the commission shall, within 60 days after receipt of the necessary information, approve the proposed claim, if the director can make the determinations set forth in this subdivision.

(c) After a proposed claim has been reviewed and approved by the executive director of the commission pursuant to subdivision (b), the governing body of the port may submit its claim for reimbursement to the Controller who shall then process and pay any such claim as provided for in § 2231 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(Added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 741.)