Gov. Kay Ivey today announced the creation of the Alabama Resiliency Council to develop plans for the state to respond to emergencies and natural disasters, reduce risk, and recovery more quickly.

Emergency Management Agency Director Jeff Smitherman and Department of Insurance Commissioner Mark Fowler will serve as co-chairs. Other state agencies on the council include public health, transportation, law enforcement, forestry, the Alabama National Guard and others. Associations representing city and county government, business, manufacturers, and others will have representatives on the council, including the University of Alabama Center for Risk and Insurance Research.

The Resiliency Council will help prepare and maintain the State Hazard Mitigation Plan. The state must have a plan approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to qualify for federal disaster assistance.

“Protecting the well-being of our people, both physically and financially, should be a top priority shared by leaders at all levels of government,” Ivey said in a press release. “Alabama is growing like never before, and it’s imperative we take necessary steps today to preserve our historic progress for tomorrow. By proactively reimagining our approach to events with harmful effects on Alabamians before they occur, we can save lives, protect jobs and ensure our state’s future remains bright.”

Ivey’s executive order rescinds one issued by Gov. Bob Riley in 2004 that created the State Hazard Mitigation Council.

More information about the Alabama Resiliency Council.

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