Proceedings to organize a groundwater management district shall be commenced by filing with the chief engineer a declaration of intent to form a district, signed by not less than fifteen (15) eligible voters of the proposed district. The seven (7) eligible voters first signing the declaration shall be the steering committee of the proposed district. The person first signing the declaration shall be chairman of the steering committee, and the second signer shall be the secretary. At the time of filing the declaration of intent, the steering committee shall also submit to the chief engineer a map of the proposed district. The chief engineer shall, in consultation with the steering committee, make any necessary modifications in the map of the proposed district so that, in the opinion of the chief engineer, a manageable area will result. After such modifications are made, the chief engineer shall certify to the steering committee, a description of the lands to be included within the proposed district.