ADAPT will coordinate intergovernmental drought response and management and all media information releases. ADAPT will oversee the implementation of all drought-related activities and will be the liaison between the Governor, the Monitoring and Analysis Group and the Drought Impact Group. ADAPT is comprised of the following members:
Brian Atkins, ADECA Office of Water Resources (OWR) Division Director, Chairman
Brock Long, Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) Director
Steve Pelham, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Director of Rural Development
Trey Glenn, Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Director
MG A. C. Blalock, Alabama National Guard Adjutant General
Ron Sparks, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner
Willard Bowers, Chairman of the Monitoring and Analysis Group
Stan Cook, Chairman of the Drought Impact Group
Barnett Lawley, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner
Ms. Linda Casey, State Forester, Alabama Forestry Commission
Danny Crawford, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Executive Director of Farm Service Agency, Governor Appointee
Wat Johnson, Governor Appointee
Phillip Green, Governor Appointee
Jimmy Carlisle, ALFA, Governor Appointee
Chris Isaacson, Alabama Forestry Association, Governor Appointee
Monitoring and Analysis Group (MAG)
MAG is responsible for monitoring all available data (i.e. reservoir storage levels, aquifer levels, climatological data, soil moisture readings, etc.) and analyzing the data in order to determine the current level of drought conditions within the state therefore recommending the level of conservation the state should implement, which will be reported to ADAPT. MAG will also study and give reports on the long-term forecasts which will enable ADAPT to prepare for future droughts. The MAG shall consist of a range of surface water, ground water, and meteorological professionals. The chairman of this group is appointed by the Governor. The current Chairman is Mr. Willard Bowers, Alabama Power Company.
Drought Impact Group (DIG)
When the state is not in a drought this group is responsible for assessing the vulnerabilities of a drought, to take actions to mitigate those vulnerabilities, and develop long range strategies for assisting those affected. During a drought the DIG is responsible for assessing the actual impacts of the drought throughout the state, and to report to the ADAPT and offer suggestions to alleviate the affects of the drought. This group’s function is vital, they will be responsible for identifying impacts that affect day to day life. There are five sub-groups that comprise the DIG, agricultural, domestic, industrial, recreational, and environmental. Each group will focus on their specific impact sector. The groups will have to work together because some issues that must be assessed may fall under more than one category. Each sub-group will be comprised of state, local, private, and non-profit organizations. The chairman of this group is appointed by the Governor. The current Chairman is Mr. Stan Cook, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.