The commissioner shall have the power and authority, after a public hearing, subject to the issuance of a permit by the corps of engineers of the United States army, to designate and lay out channels and boat basins in lands under tidal and coastal waters for the purpose of providing access to and from deep water to uplands adjacent to or bordering on tidal and coastal waters and for the improvement of coastal and inland navigation by vessels, including small craft for recreational purposes with due regard for the recreational, commercial and navigational needs of the state. The commissioner shall promptly give written notice to the Connecticut Port Authority of any proceeding under this section, and shall consider such recommendations as the authority may submit to the commissioner not later than thirty days after the conclusion of public hearings thereon. The board of directors of the Connecticut Port Authority is authorized to initiate proceedings under this section.