[§137-3]  Action.  (a)  Whenever agovernment entity seeks reimbursement of search and rescue expenses, includingexpenses paid or owing to private persons or entities by the government entity,in connection with a search and rescue, the government entity may bring anaction in any court of competent jurisdiction; provided the reimbursementsought shall not in any case exceed the total cost incurred for the search andrescue operation.

(b)  This chapter is not intended to restrictor diminish the right of any government entity to settle or compromise itsrights provided in this chapter. [L 1999, c 66, pt of §2]