(a) The authority shall prepare and file with the commission a master plan for the maximum development of the soil and water resources of the entire Nueces River watershed, including plans for the complete use, for all economically beneficial purposes, of the watershed's water resources. The authority may amend the master plan as appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this section.(b) After the master plan or any amendments to the plan have been filed with the commission, notice of the application of any person who desires to acquire the right to use state water that is in the Nueces River watershed shall be provided to the authority. After public hearing as provided by law, the commission may grant or deny the proposed application in the manner required by law, notwithstanding any contrary provision of the master plan or any amendments to the plan.(c) Each work constructed by the authority shall be constructed and operated in a manner that, in the greatest practicable degree, conforms to the master plan and any amendments to the plan.(d) This section may not be construed to interfere with any improvement of the Nueces River or its tributaries or

eatest practicable degree, conforms to the master plan and any amendments to the plan.(d) This section may not be construed to interfere with any improvement of the Nueces River or its tributaries or with a grant or loan in aid of any improvement made by the United States or by this state. Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 914 (H.B. 3530), Sec. 1.03, eff. April 1, 2023.