Resource

NRCS Watershed Rehabilitation Program

Resource Type
ASDSO Conference Papers
Reference Title
NRCS Watershed Rehabilitation Program
Author/Presenter
Bramblett, Jimmy R.
Organization/Agency
Association of State Dam Safety Officials
Publisher Name
Association of State Dam Safety Officials
Year
2006
Date
April 23-26, 2006
Event Name
Dam Safety in the Southeast 2006 - Southeast Regional Conference
Event Location
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
ASDSO Session Title
Partnerships; Collaborative Project Management
Topic Location
Georgia
Abstract/Additional Information

Abstract Only - Local communities in Georgia, with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) assistance, have constructed over 350 dams in since 1953. Many are nearing the end of their 50-year design life. Rehabilitation of these dams is needed to address critical public health and safety issues in these communities. In 1978, the Georgia General Assembly passed dam safety legislation in response to the 1977 Kelly Barnes Dam Failure at Toccoa Falls College, which resulted in 39 fatalities. The resulting Georgia Safe Dams Law exempted NRCS dams because of the agency's superior design standards. In 1995, however, the Georgia General Assembly began to recognize that time would play its toll even on NRCS assisted project dams. The exemption was extended one last time and expired November 1, 2000. Through the Watershed Rehabilitation Program, NRCS can provide technical and financial assistance to communities for the rehabilitation of high hazard dams.

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