(a) The executive director shall develop and prepare, and from time to time revise, comprehensive water quality management plans for the different areas of the state, as designated by the commission.
(b) The executive director may contract with local governments, regional planning commissions, planning agencies, other state agencies, colleges and universities in the state, and any other qualified and competent person to assist in developing and preparing, and from time to time revising, water quality management plans for areas designated by the commission.

(c) With funds provided for the purpose by legislative appropriation, the commission may make grants or interest-free loans to, or contract with, local governments, regional planning commissions, and planning agencies to pay administrative and other expenses of such entities for developing and preparing, and from time to time revising, water quality management plans for areas designated by the commission. The period of time for which funding under this provision may be provided for developing and preparing or for revising a plan may not exceed three consecutive years in each instance. Any loan made pursuant to this subsection shall be repaid when the construction of any project included in the plan is begun.
(d) Any person developing or revising a plan shall, during the course of the work, consult with the commission and with local governments and other federal, state, and local governmental agencies which in the judgment of the commission may be affected by or have a legitimate interest in the plan.
(e) Insofar as may be practical, the water quality management plans shall be reasonably compatible with the other governmental plans for the area, such as area or regional transportation, public utility, zoning, public education, recreation, housing, and other related development plans.