(a) If the commission orders, for the purpose of maintaining the ecological health of any bay and estuary system, a release or pass-through of appropriated water from an existing reservoir owned in part by the board on September 1, 1985, the board shall pay the amount necessary to pay all maintenance and operating costs associated with the storage and release of the water.
(b) If the order under Subsection (a) of this section results in a dedication that reduces the reservoir’s firm yield water supply capability, the board is responsible for repayment of that portion of the construction cost indebtedness associated with that dedication.