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.”
