Response corps; depots.

(a) The department may establish a response corps. The corps consists of volunteers who register with the department and agree to be trained in techniques for emergency and disaster response and to be available on short notice to carry out responsibilities of the corps under an applicable incident command system. Members of the corps are entitled to per diem and expenses as determined by the department for training and for days spent in service to the state.

(b) The department may maintain emergency response depots in areas of the state identified for that purpose in the state emergency plan developed under AS 26.23.040 . The depots shall be equipped in a manner that enables prompt response to emergencies and disasters.