(a) If, not later than the 20th day after the date notice is sent, a commissioner receives a written objection to the application from any person who appears to have a legitimate interest in the application, the board shall hold a hearing as provided by this section.
(b) The board shall hold the hearing not later than the 20th day after the date the 20-day period provided by Subsection (a) expires.
(c) The board shall give notice of the hearing to:
(1) each applicant;
(2) each person objecting to the application; and
(3) any other person the board determines is interested in the proceedings.
(d) The hearing shall be open to the public and held at a convenient public place in one of the ports that would be affected by the change. Each party who demonstrates a legitimate interest in the application is entitled to be heard, to present evidence, and, to the extent the board considers practical, to cross-examine testifying witnesses.