Rep. Schrier Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Improve Dam Safety
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Kim Schrier introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill to fund crucial infrastructure improvements for dams in Washington state and across the nation. This legislation, the National Dam Safety Reauthorization Act, would reauthorize the National Dam Safety Program (NDSP) through FY 2028. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in co-leading this legislation with Representatives Chuck Edwards (R-NC-11), Annie Kuster (D-NH-2), and Brandon Williams (R-NY-22). The companion bill is led by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Kevin Cramer (R-SD).
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s NDSP began in 1996 to provide states with grants, resources, and assistance to ensure their dams meet safety standards. Without further action, funding for the NDSP will expire this September. In addition to dams used for hydropower, the 8th District is home to more than 180 dams regulated by the state, serving purposes including conservation, irrigation, recreation, and more. Funding provided by the NDSP is especially important for the 8th District given that the average age of a dam in the district is 57 years.
“I’m committed to investing in our infrastructure, and dams are an integral part of the Eighth District. With 188 dams, and 128 of those classified as “high hazard” dams in my District, it is imperative that Congress reauthorize the bipartisan National Dam Safety Program,” said Rep. Schrier. “The National Dam Safety Program is a huge win for states like Washington to maintain the function and structural integrity of our dams. This legislation will ensure that dams across the country are up to code and not a threat to public safety. I am proud to work across the aisle to introduce this legislation.”
“NC-11 is home to more than 750 dams, each of which are vital to flood control, water conservation, irrigation, and recreation for Western North Carolinians,” said Rep.Edwards. “I’m introducing the National Dam Safety Program Reauthorization Act with my House and Senate colleagues to invest in WNC’s dam safety and keep our citizens safe for years to come.”
“With over 90 dams in New York’s 22nd Congressional District over 100 years old, now more than ever it is critical important funding is available for resiliency efforts—our local communities must be protected,” said Rep.Williams. “Joining the introduction of the National Dam Safety Program Reauthorization is vital to conserving our local water supply, bolstering irrigation for our agricultural industry, and mitigating flooding in our region.”
“The recent flooding in New Hampshire underscores how important dam safety and rehabilitation are for our communities,” said Rep.Kuster. “The National Dam Safety Program is an important partnership between states and federal agencies to promote dam safety and ensure operators have the resources they need for safety inspections, monitoring, and emergency planning. I am proud to be leading bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the program and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill.”
David Griffin, P.E., president, Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) said, “On behalf of ASDSO, I want to thank Representatives Chuck Edwards, Ann Kuster, Kim Schrier, and Brandon Williams, and Senators Kevin Cramer and Dianne Feinstein for supporting the need for strong dam safety programs. Reauthorization of this important program will continue federal leadership and needed funding support to reduce the risks associated with dam failure. We encourage Congress to support proposed improvements to the law which will make it more effective across all states.”
“The nation’s 92,000 dams have suffered from decades of deferred maintenance and chronic underfunding, threatening the safety of the communities which they serve,” said Maria Lehman, president, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). “Recent seasons of record flooding and increasing development downstream of rural dams have not helped. The introduction of the bipartisan National Dam Safety Program Reauthorization Act is an important step to ensuring states have what they need to monitor the thousands of dams in their communities. This program assists states with the vital resources needed to support inspections and monitoring, staffing and training needs, and emergency planning. ASCE commends Congressman Edwards, Congresswoman Kuster, Congresswoman Schrier, Congressman Williams, Senator Cramer and Senator Feinstein for their leadership on this issue, and encourages Congress to pass this needed legislation quickly to help ensure the safety of the nation’s dams.”
The National Dam Safety Reauthorization Act is endorsed by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO).