Alabama Code Title 37. Public Utilities and Public Transportation § 37-10-5

(a) The department in performing its planning function is authorized to request any railroad to provide such data and information as are necessary for the planning process. The department shall make every effort to ensure that such requests are compatible with the information requested by similar agencies in other states and by the Federal Department of Transportation. Railroads operating within the state shall provide such information within 60 days of the date of the request.

(b) The department is hereby authorized to reimburse the railroads for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in gathering and compiling the data provided that it is determined by the department such funds are available and the costs are substantiated by the railroads.

(c) The department shall exercise all necessary caution to avoid disclosure of confidential information supplied under this section.