On April 19, 2024, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced that the Biden-Harris Administration will allocate $26.3 million towards enhancing dam safety across the United States.
This funding is a part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and aims to bolster the infrastructure required to protect against potential disasters such as extreme drought and flooding.
The allocated funds will support the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
These grants are intended to help state, territorial, and local governments manage high-hazard potential dams, which pose significant threats to life and property.
“Dams are a critical part of the nation’s infrastructure, yet many are aging and deteriorating. Dam failure may occur within hours of the first signs of breaching due to intense storms,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
“Empowered by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these funds will support training personnel, increasing inspections, and identifying necessary repairs to ensure dams continue to protect human life.”
This funding initiative aligns with FEMA’s Year of Resilience, aiming to build local capacities to withstand future hazards.
The investment also contributes to broader efforts under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocates nearly $6.8 billion towards enhancing community-wide resilience, thereby reducing disaster suffering and avoiding future costs associated with disasters.
The National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is accessible to any state or territory that has enacted a dam safety program.
The primary goals of these grants include reducing risks to life and property associated with dams, increasing awareness of both the benefits and risks related to dam infrastructure, and advancing the state of practice in dam safety and risk management.
The state administrative agency, or an equivalent state agency, is eligible to apply for these grants.
Each state or territory may submit only one grant application per cycle.
The application period for this grant cycle concluded on February 29, 2024.
For further details, interested parties are encouraged to visit FEMA’s dam safety webpage.
The recent allocation of $26.3 million by the Biden-Harris Administration underscores a proactive approach towards enhancing dam safety in the United States.
This investment is pivotal in equipping communities with the necessary infrastructure to address the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
By focusing on training, inspections, and repairs, the initiative not only aims to mitigate the immediate risks associated with dam failures but also enhances long-term community resilience.
The strategic allocation of funds through the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program exemplifies a commitment to both safety and sustainability in infrastructure management.
