Alabama Engineers Recognized for Landmark Dam Safety Efforts

The Alabama Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers is proud to recognize Steve Newton, P.E., and State Senator Clyde Chambliss, P.E., for their leadership in establishing and strengthening Alabama’s statewide dam safety program.

At the 2026 Dam Safety Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) presented its Southeast Dam Safety Award recognizing Senator Chambliss, the Alabama Section of ASCE, and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama for their collective efforts to advance dam safety in Alabama.

The recognition represents a significant milestone in a journey that began more than a decade ago.

For many years, Alabama was the only state in the nation without a comprehensive state dam safety program. Concerned about the potential risks to the public and downstream communities, Alabama’s civil engineering community began advocating for a statewide approach to dam safety.

A key leader in that effort was Steve Newton, P.E. Steve chaired the Alabama Safe Dam Technical Coalition Committee, bringing together engineers, government officials, and industry organizations to develop the technical foundation and advocacy necessary for Alabama to establish a dam safety program.

The coalition included the Alabama Section of ASCE, ACEC Alabama, the Alabama League of Municipalities, the Association of County Engineers of Alabama, the Alabama Section of the American Water Works Association, and State Senator Clyde Chambliss, P.E.

Senator Chambliss, Alabama’s only licensed professional engineer serving in the Legislature at the time, became a critical legislative champion for the effort. Working alongside engineers and other stakeholders, he helped turn years of technical work and advocacy into legislation.

That work culminated in the passage of the Alabama Safe Dams Act (Act #2023-414) in 2023, ending Alabama’s distinction as the only state without a state dam safety law. The legislation established important requirements for dam inspections, emergency action plans, and notification of new dam construction and modifications.

The work did not stop there.

In April 2026, the Alabama Legislature passed Senate Bill 378, sponsored by Senator Chambliss. The legislation further strengthened Alabama’s dam safety program by placing administration of the program with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) and establishing a centralized framework for dam construction, modification, and removal approvals. The bill passed the Legislature unanimously and was enacted on April 15, 2026.

Governor Kay Ivey ceremonially signed SB378 on May 18, 2026, with representatives of ASCE Alabama and ACEC Alabama present, including Steve Newton.

For Steve, seeing Alabama welcomed into the community of states with established dam safety programs was a particularly meaningful moment.

During the ASDSO awards ceremony, Alabama was given a warm “welcome to the table” by representatives of the dam safety community. Senator Chambliss graciously accepted the recognition on behalf of Alabama.

Steve described the moment as a proud one and reflected on the significant role ASCE and its partners played in bringing Alabama to this point.

But the recognition also serves as a reminder that the work is not finished.

As Steve noted, the next phase will be critical as AEMA develops the rules, procedures, and framework needed to implement Alabama’s dam safety program. The challenge now is turning legislation into an effective program that protects lives, property, and communities across the state.

The Alabama Section of ASCE is proud of the role our profession has played in this effort. Steve Newton’s technical leadership, Senator Clyde Chambliss’s legislative leadership, and the commitment of the Alabama Safe Dam Technical Coalition demonstrate what can happen when engineers use their expertise to serve the public.

This achievement is more than a legislative success. It is an example of civil engineers making a lasting difference in the safety and resilience of Alabama’s infrastructure.

Congratulations to Steve Newton, Senator Clyde Chambliss, ACEC Alabama, and everyone who helped bring Alabama “to the table.”

Engineering & Public Works Roadshow at Mobile International Airport Recap

MOBILE, AL (May 21, 2026) – The new Mobile International Airport, expected to open in spring 2027, was showcased by the Engineering & Public Works Roadshow, a national initiative highlighting major infrastructure projects that strengthen communities. The airport project is the first Alabama site featured by the Roadshow, which has recognized more than 20 projects nationwide since 2022.

Designed to support Mobile’s growth as a multimodal hub for the Southeast, the new airport will relocate commercial passenger service from west Mobile to downtown Mobile. Opening with five gates and the ability to expand to 12, the facility will connect directly to local interstates, railroads, and the Port of Mobile, creating new opportunities for economic development and improving regional transportation efficiency.

Mobile leaders described the airport as a transformational investment for the city and region. Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis said the project will improve tourism, strengthen connectivity, and enhance economic development opportunities. Officials with the Mobile Airport Authority also emphasized the strong partnerships among local, state, and federal agencies, along with private sector support, that made the project possible.

Representatives from ACEC, APWA, and ASCE noted that the airport demonstrates the long-term value of infrastructure investment and regional planning. The Engineering & Public Works Roadshow, a joint initiative of the three organizations, highlights projects and professionals that improve quality of life, strengthen resilience, and support long-term economic growth in communities across the country.

“Infrastructure is a system of systems, and the compatibility of one component of the network with the other largely determines how well our built environment is able to serve us,” said ASCE Alabama Section President Taylor Janney. “The new terminal building is far more integrated in Mobile’s highways, port, railroads, and city center, which doesn’t just improve the air travel experience – it makes each of those systems work more efficiently as we move people and goods across the region, country, and world.”

Alabama Strengthens Dam Safety Oversight with SB378

Photo L to R: Jeff Smitherman (Director, State of Alabama Emergency Management Agency), Chris Crawford (ACEC Representative), Lawren Pratt (ASCE Representative), Governor Kaye Ivey, Senator Clyde Chambliss, Renee Casillas (ACEC), and Steve Newton (ASCE Representative)

Monday, May 18, 2026 – Leaders from the American Society of Civil Engineers of the Alabama Section and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama joined Governor Kay Ivey for the ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 378. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Clyde Chambliss, a civil engineer and the only licensed professional engineer currently serving in the Alabama Legislature.

The signing marks another major step forward for dam safety in Alabama following passage of the Alabama Safe Dams Act (Act #2023-414), which ended Alabama’s distinction as the only state in the nation without a Dam Safety Act. The achievement came after more than a decade of advocacy by legislators and civil engineering leaders focused on improving public safety.

The Alabama Safe Dams Act established several important requirements, including:

• Regular inspections of dams and reservoirs by professional engineers licensed in Alabama

• Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for high and significant hazard potential dams

• Notification requirements for new dam construction and enlargements

In April 2026, the Alabama Legislature passed SB378, further strengthening the program by transferring administration of the Alabama Dam Safety Program from local emergency management agencies to the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA).

Under the new law, AEMA becomes the sole administrator of the state’s dam safety program and is authorized to establish rules, approval procedures, and fees related to dam safety oversight. The legislation also requires plans for the construction, modification, or removal of dams to be submitted directly to AEMA for approval.

Engineering leaders across Alabama view the legislation as a significant advancement in protecting public safety and improving statewide coordination for dam infrastructure oversight.