EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 19 - Office of the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, the recovery from disasters has cost the citizens of the state of Alabama hundreds of millions of dollars over the last decade;

WHEREAS, the cost of responding to and recovering from disasters is funded by the State of Alabama General Fund and by the local governments;

WHEREAS, in recognition of the need for on-going funding to ensure the delivery of governmental services following disaster events, on May 9, 2009, Act 2009-342 established the Alabama Disaster Recovery Program and Alabama Disaster Recovery Program Fund;

WHEREAS, the financial burden to Alabama taxpayers in funding recovery from disasters over the last six years has been more significant because the Alabama Disaster Recovery Program fund has yet to be funded by the Legislature;

WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has responded to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, GAO-12-828, in a document titled, “Federal Disaster Assistance: Improved Criteria Needed to Respond and Recover on Its Own” and is seeking comments on advanced rulemaking in response to the recommendations made to GAO and will most likely implement policy that would have major impacts on Alabama; and

WHEREAS, these recommendations could increase the fiscal impact to the State of Alabama in responding to and recovering from a disaster by establishing a deductible for federal assistance, effectively shifting a larger share of the financial burden to Alabama’s taxpayers.

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 Disaster Recovery and Resiliency Task Force (the “Task Force”), to make recommendations to the Governor regarding comprehensive, strategic and long-term reforms that enhance the efficient and cost-effective delivery of emergency management services in Alabama.

BE IT ORDERED, that the Task Force shall consist of the following members:

The Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, or his or her designee, Chair;
The Director of the Alabama Department of Transportation, or his or her designee;
The Commissioner of Insurance, or his or her designee;
The Director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, or his or her designee;
The Adjutant General, or his or her designee;
The Finance Director, or his or her designee;
The State Forester, or his or her designee;
The Director of the Serve Alabama Office, or his or her designee;
One member representing the Alabama Senate, appointed by the President Pro Tempore;
One member representing the Alabama House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House;
One County Commissioner, appointed by the Alabama Association of County Commissions;
One Mayor or Member of a City Council, appointed by the League of Municipalities;
One County Engineer, appointed by the Association of County Engineers of Alabama;
One County Emergency Manager, appointed by the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers;
One member representing a Rural Electric Cooperative, appointed by the Alabama Rural Electric Association;
One member representing the insurance community, appointed by the Governor;
One member representing a power distribution company, appointed by the Governor;
Additional members as recommended by the Chair and appointed by the Governor.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that the Task Force shall meet at the call of the chair and shall hold its first meeting within one month of the issuance of this order. The Task Force may meet via teleconference or web conference. The Task Force shall adopt rules governing times and places for meetings and the manner of conducting its business. Members of the Task Force shall not receive compensation.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that the Task Force shall make recommendations, no later than November 30, 2016, that will achieve the goals established herein and to, specifically address a long-term funding source for and implementation of a State Disaster Fund for disaster recovery efforts at both the state and local levels and the implementation of specific recommendations to better prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

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

DONE AND ORDERED this the 27th day of April, 2016.

Robert Bentley
Governor

ATTEST:

John H. Merrill
Secretary of State