(a) The secretary, after consulting with the California Coastal Commission and the State Lands Commission concerning offshore energy activities, shall award grants to coastal counties and cities to be used for the purposes of planning, assessment, mitigation, permitting, monitoring and enforcement, public services and facilities, and for other activities related to offshore energy development, consistent with the requirements of the state’s coastal management program.
(b) Prior to receiving grants under this chapter, each coastal county and city shall submit a report to the secretary describing how the funds are to be expended. Before submitting the report, each coastal county and city shall provide opportunities for the public to review and comment on the report and shall hold at least one public hearing on the report.