A. The Coordinator may enter into agreements with political subdivisions to provide hazardous materials emergency response within a specific geographical area of the Commonwealth on a state and political subdivision cost-sharing basis. The cost-sharing agreements shall be negotiated with political subdivisions by the Coordinator.
B. Neither the Commonwealth, nor any political subdivision thereof, nor federal agencies, nor other public or private agencies, nor public or private employees, nor representatives of any of them, engaged in any emergency services activities while complying with or attempting to comply with this chapter or any regulation or executive order promulgated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, shall be liable for the death of or injury to any person or damage to property as a result of such activities, except where such death, injury or damage results from gross negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct. The provisions of this section shall not affect the right of any person to receive benefits to which he would otherwise be entitled under this chapter, or under the Workers’ Compensation Act (§ 65.2-100 et seq.), or under any pension law, nor the right of any such person to receive any benefits or compensation under any act of Congress.