FEMA has awarded $33 million in fiscal year 2022 grants to 49 states and one territory to enhance dam safety programs and rehabilitation High-Hazard Potential dams.
Approximately $22 million of the awarded funds are earmarked for the FEMA High Hazard Potential Dam Grant program, with nearly $11 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021. Funding will provide technical, planning, design, and construction assistance grants for rehabilitating eligible high-hazard potential dams. These funds were awarded to California, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Oregon for construction-ready activities for dams.
The other approximately $11 million, including $4 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will go toward the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program. Funding will help to increase the effectiveness of state programs. Every state and Puerto Rico will receive and benefit from this funding.
Over the next several years, FEMA will award $733 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states and territories to enhance dam safety and rehabilitate or remove aging dams.
ASDSO believes this funding will undoubtedly improve the safety of many dams across the country and create stronger state dam safety regulatory programs.
Visit the FEMA National Dam Safety Program website to learn more about grant programs.
To learn more about current issues, challenges, and ways to improve dam safety nationally, visit ASDSO’s Roadmap to Reducing Dam Safety Risks webpage.
