(a) Any qualified individual, company, corporation, or public institution desiring to conduct any type of exploration or excavation of cultural resources shall first make application to the commission for a permit or contract to conduct the operation. If the commission finds that the granting of a permit or contract is in the best interest of the state, it may, subject to the other provisions of this division, grant the applicant a permit or contract for a period of time and under those terms and conditions as the commission considers to be in the best interest of the state.
(b) Holders of permits or contracts shall be responsible for obtaining permission of any federal agencies having jurisdiction, including, but not limited to, the United States Department of the Navy and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, prior to conducting those activities.
(c) Permits or contracts may be issued or made for any of the following activities, without limitation:
(1) Recreational diving permit or contract.
(2) Exploration and evaluation permit or contract.
(3) Excavation and recovery permit or contract.
Structure Code of Alabama
Chapter 9 - Boards and Commissions.
Article 10 - Historical Commissions.
Division 3A - Underwater Cultural Resources.
Section 41-9-290 - Short Title.
Section 41-9-291 - Definitions.
Section 41-9-292 - Use of State Cultural Resources.
Section 41-9-293 - Management Plan; Rules and Regulations.
Section 41-9-294 - Permit etc., for Exploration or Excavation.
Section 41-9-295 - Commercial Fishing Restrictions.
Section 41-9-296 - Distribution of Funds.
Section 41-9-297 - Theft or Disturbance of a Cultural Resource.
Section 41-9-298 - Seizure of Equipment, Etc.
Section 41-9-299 - Enforcement of Division.