(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.