(a) The department shall prepare a document reflecting the Georgia coastal management program for submission to the Governor. The Governor shall have the authority to review and approve such document. Once approved, the Governor shall have the authority to submit the document reflecting the Georgia coastal management program to the secretary of commerce for approval as outlined in the federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended. At any time, the Governor, with the concurrence of the General Assembly, may withdraw the state from participation in the federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 if it is determined that continued participation is not in the best interest of the state.

(b) The department shall make a report every three years of its activities under this part to the Governor and General Assembly. The report shall include a summary of the effectiveness of the program, a survey of user groups, and the department's opinion of the value of Georgia's continued participation in the program. Copies of the report shall be provided to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the chairperson of the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee, the chairperson of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, and the Board of Natural Resources.