Alabama § 33-7-74 - Role of Local Emergency Management Agencies; Construction of Article.

§ 33-7-74. Role of Local Emergency Management Agencies; Construction of Article.

(a) The agency shall adopt rules to implement this article, including:

(1) Approval procedures to implement Section 33-7-72(d); and

(2) Fees as necessary to offset the agency’s costs in implementing this article.

(b) Records pertaining to dams and reservoirs kept by and in the possession of the agency or a local emergency management agency pursuant to this article shall not be public documents.

(c) Nothing in this article shall be construed to relieve a participating owner or operator of a dam or reservoir of the legal duties, obligations, or liabilities, or to waive any immunity, incident to the ownership or operation of the dam or reservoir.

(d) Any records or other information relating to a dam or reservoir pursuant to this article possessed by a local emergency management agency shall be transferred to the agency before January 1, 2027. A local emergency management agency may retain a copy of any such information to enable appropriate action in the event of an emergency.

(e) Before the fifteenth legislative day of the 2027 Regular Session, the agency shall prepare and submit to the Governor and the Legislature, including the Chair of the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee and the Chair of the Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee, both of the following:

(1) An Alabama Dam Safety Program Implementation Plan designed to comply with the National Dam Safety Program established pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 467f.

(2) A statement of any operational or financial needs, including legislative action, appropriation, or other resources necessary for the agency to implement this article.

(f) The agency may receive and shall seek federal, state, and private funds, including grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(g) The agency shall coordinate with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to ensure all relevant dams in Alabama are included in the National Inventory of Dams and the Low-Head Dam Inventory.