(1)    Proposed plan. If specific lake protection and rehabilitation measures developed under s. 33.13 appear feasible and if financial assistance under s. 33.16 is sought, then the commissioners of the district shall develop a proposed plan based upon the recommendations of the department and the formulated alternatives or upon other technically valid bases.

   (2)   Submission of proposed plan. Prior to adopting a plan by formal resolution under s. 33.15, the commissioners shall:

      (a)    Forward a copy of the proposed plan to the department;

      (b)    Refer the proposed plan to the appropriate county land conservation committee and to the appropriate regional planning agency for the area, if any, for review and comment within 60 days of receipt; and

      (c)    Make application for any required permits and file an application for financial aid.

   (3)   Department review. Within 21 days after receipt of the proposed plan and applications the department shall advise the district if additional information is needed to conduct its technical and environmental review of the proposal. If an environmental impact statement is required, the department shall complete its environmental impact review before taking final action on the proposed plan.

   (3m)   Notice; hearing. The department shall schedule a hearing on the proposed plan or follow the notice procedures under s. 31.06 (1).

   (4)   Considerations at hearing. If a hearing is conducted, the department shall consider the following:

      (a)    Compliance with s. 1.11;

      (b)    The issuance of permits which have been applied for;

      (c)    Whether the implementation of the plan is likely to cause long-range environmental pollution as defined in s. 299.01 (4);

      (d)    Comments made by the reviewing county land conservation committee and regional planning agency, if any; and

      (e)    Such other subjects as the department by rule deems necessary for making the order required by sub. (5).

   (5)   Approval. Within 60 days following the hearing, the department shall by order either approve, approve with modification or disapprove the plan. The department shall concurrently rule on all permit applications.