05/19/2026
Today, ACEC and ASCE leaders in Alabama took part in a ceremonial bill signing by Governor Kay Ivey on SB 378. The bill was sponsored by Senator Clyde Chambliss, P.E., a civil engineer and the only professional engineer serving in the Alabama State Legislature.
It took more than a decade - Alabama is no longer the only state in the nation without a Dam Safety Act! Congratulations and thank you for your leadership on this important matter, Senator Clyde Chambliss! This is a huge win for the public’s safety in Alabama.
The Alabama Safe Dams Act (Act #2023-414)
Inspections: Mandates regular safety and structural inspections of dams and reservoirs by professional engineers licensed in Alabama.
Emergency Action Plans (EAPs): Requires dam owners to develop, regularly update, and exercise Emergency Action Plans for high and significant hazard potential dams.
Notifications: Requires dam owners to notify local emergency management agencies of any new dam construction or enlargements.
In April 2026, the Alabama legislature passed SB378, which shifts the administrative duties of the Alabama Dam Safety Program from local emergency agencies directly to the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA).
This update authorizes the AEMA to be the sole manager of the state's dam safety program.Gives the agency authority to set dam-related rules, approval processes, and fees.Mandates that plans for constructing, modifying, or removing a dam be submitted to the AEMA for approval.
