HB262 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Thad McClammy
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Montgomery Co., Montgomery County Reservoir Management Area Authority established for development of Catoma Creek, const. amend.
Summary: A constitutional amendment to authorize the creation of the Montgomery County Reservoir Management Area Authority to develop Catoma Creek in Montgomery County for water, flood control, and related purposes.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, it would allow Montgomery County to establish a public corporation called the Montgomery County Reservoir Management Area Authority. The Authority would manage the Catoma Creek area (and its watershed) for water conservation and supply, dam and reservoir development, industrial development, flood control, navigation, irrigation, and recreation. It could acquire land, issue revenue bonds, set rates and charges, levy certain taxes within the area, and operate with a zoning and regulatory framework, while being exempt from some state taxes and oversight; it could also receive funds from local governments and contract with other authorities.

Who It Affects
Montgomery County residents and taxpayers within the reservoir management area, who could be subject to new charges or taxes to fund the Authority but would also potentially benefit from improved water supply, flood control, and recreation.
Landowners and property owners within the Catoma Creek management area (and local Montgomery County governments) who could see land, zoning, and development actions by the Authority, as well as potential land acquisition and changes in land use or value.

Key Provisions
Creates the Montgomery County Reservoir Management Area Authority as a public corporation to develop Catoma Creek within Montgomery County.
Powers include water conservation and supply, dam and reservoir development, industrial development, flood control, navigation, irrigation, public recreation, and related purposes; authority to acquire land, hold/manage/sell land, and implement a unified development program.
Authority may issue revenue bonds and notes payable from its revenues, with various security provisions; bonds not constituting state or local debt; refunding allowed; ability to pledge revenues and use trusts or mortgage-like arrangements.
Authority may levy certain excise taxes, sales taxes, and ad valorem taxes within the management area; may set rates/fees for services; has zoning authority within the area; and is exempt from certain state taxes and some regulatory oversight (PSC and Department of Finance).
Local contributions: Montgomery County Commission and municipalities can contribute funds to the Authority without requiring an election.
Public roads may be used by the Authority; annual reports are required; contracts or grants with other authorities are allowed and not considered extending state credit in violation of constitutional limits.
The amendment requires a local election to approve the constitutional change.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Montgomery County