EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 19, AMENDMENT 1

Under and by virtue of the authority vested in me by law and pursuant thereto, I do hereby amend Executive Order 19, executed June 24, 2011, by deleting the same in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

WHEREAS, water is one of Alabama’s most important resources;

WHEREAS, when drought conditions occur, they endanger our water resources and adversely affect the health, welfare, and livelihood of our citizens and visitors;

WHEREAS, drought is a natural disaster that, unlike floods or tornadoes, does not occur in a violent burst but gradually happens;

WHEREAS, a large number of organizations and state and federal agencies are involved in activities associated with drought monitoring or manage programs impacted by drought conditions;

WHEREAS, a focus on drought preparedness and mitigation at all levels of government will better our response to drought conditions;

WHEREAS, the Office of Water Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA OWR) is charged by the Alabama Water Resources Act to plan, coordinate, develop and manage Alabama’s ground and surface water resources; and,

WHEREAS, a proactive approach to drought planning and assessment is necessary so current and future generations can continue to enjoy this valuable resource.

NOW, THEREFORE, based upon these considerations, and for other good and valid reasons related thereto, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the constitution and laws of the State of Alabama, do hereby establish the Alabama Drought Assessment and Planning Team (ADAPT) to advise the ADECA OWR in the development and implementation of all drought related activities.

BE IT ORDERED, that the ADECA OWR Division Director shall serve as Chairman of ADAPT. It shall be the duty of the ADAPT Chairman to call, organize, and conduct meetings in accordance with ADAPT’s operating procedures.  ADAPT shall consist of the following members:

1.    ADECA OWR Division Director
2.    Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) Director
3.    USDA Rural Development Director
4.    USDA Farm Services Agency Director
5.    Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Director
6.    Alabama Adjutant General
7.    Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner
8.    Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner
9.    Alabama Forestry Commission State Forester
10.  State Geologist of Alabama
11.  State Climatologist of Alabama
12.  Chairman of the Drought Monitoring and Impact Group (MIG)
13.  A representative from a recognized Watershed Management Authority, appointed by the Governor
14.  State Executive Director of the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee
15.  USDA National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Alabama State Conservationist
16.  Two members, representing the State at large, appointed by the Governor

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Governor may elect to appoint additional members to ADAPT at a later date.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that ADAPT shall have at least one standing subcommittee known as the Drought Monitoring and Impact Group (MIG).  The MIG shall have a Chairman whose duty shall be to conduct meetings and to report recommendations to ADAPT.   The ADAPT Chairman shall encourage participation and include representation from appropriate organizations and agencies with expertise in identifying conditions or responding to impacts associated with the various stages of drought.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that the MIG shall collect and summarize information relating to drought conditions and forecasts including rainfall, streamflows, reservoirs, soil moisture, and groundwater levels as well as the impacts of these conditions and forecasts on public water supply, the environment, agriculture, industry, and recreation.  In addition, the MIG shall recommend responses and strategies necessary to mitigate the drought effects on Alabama.  The MIG Chairman (or his representative) shall provide a summary of this assessment at the request of the ADAPT Chairman and at each ADAPT meeting.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that members of ADAPT shall establish procedures including, but not limited to, meeting schedules, agendas, quorum and voting requirements, and establishment of additional subcommittees, etc.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that ADECA OWR, with advice and input from ADAPT shall develop and maintain a State Drought Plan that is consistent with this Executive Order; including but not limited to ADAPT and MIG procedures, drought assessments, declarations, and notifications.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that members of ADAPT shall not receive compensation, subsistence allowance, mileage, or associated expenses.  Officials or employees of State agencies who are appointed and designated to ADAPT shall be allowed to participate in ADAPT as part of their duties and may claim per diem, mileage, or associated expenses as allowed by law.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that ADECA shall administer any funds appropriated by the Legislature for the establishment, operation, and administration of ADAPT and its initiatives.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that all appointments to ADAPT shall be made by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that this Executive Order shall become effective immediately upon signing and shall remain in effect until amended or modified by the Governor.

DONE AND ORDERED this ­­­ 19th  day of August, 2013.

Robert Bentley

Governor

Attested

Jim Bennett

Secretary of State