South Asheville News

Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) has introduced two bills aimed at improving the safety of dams in Western North Carolina. The bills, the National Dam Safety Program Amendment Act and the Low-Head Dam Inventory Act, have garnered support from Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02) and Congressman Patrick Ryan (NY-18) respectively.

The need for improved dam safety is evident, as North Carolina's 11th district is home to over 750 dams, many of which are in poor condition. The American Society of Civil Engineers' 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure gave the country's dams a "D" grade in safety. Furthermore, the Association of State Dam Safety Officials estimates that over 2,300 high-hazard dams are at risk due to a lack of investment in dam safety. It is estimated that it would cost $157.5 billion to bring these dams into a state of good repair.

The National Dam Safety Program Amendment Act, a bipartisan effort, aims to reauthorize the National Dam Safety Program until 2028. The bill also increases the funding available to states for their dam safety programs by 800 percent through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Additionally, the bill seeks to strengthen the program to enhance dam safety across the nation.

Congressman Edwards emphasized the importance of federal support for the maintenance of dams across the country, stating, "To prevent catastrophic dam failures and protect downstream communities, we must provide federal support for the nearly 92,000 dams that serve critical functions across our nation."

The Low-Head Dam Inventory Act focuses on low-head dams, which are manmade structures in rivers or stream channels used to direct water flow. Currently, there is no national process in place to track the quantity, condition, or location of low-head dams in the United States. Between 2019 and 2022, there were 192 incidents involving the failure of low-head dams, resulting in 151 deaths. The Low-Head Dam Inventory Act aims to address this issue by requiring the inclusion of low-head dams, particularly high-hazard ones, in the National Inventory of Dams. This will enable better maintenance and prevention of low-head dam failures.

Congressman Ryan highlighted the dangers posed by low-head dams, stating, "Low-head dams are sometimes known for pushing swimmers and kayakers underwater and trapping them in a strong recirculating current. There is currently no national inventory of low-head dams, leaving outdoor enthusiasts unaware of their existence and the life-threatening dangers they pose."

The introduction of these bills has garnered support from various organizations. The American Society of Civil Engineers and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials have endorsed the National Dam Safety Program Amendment Act. Similarly, the Low-Head Dam Inventory Act has received endorsements from American Whitewater and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials.

The importance of these bills in addressing dam safety concerns cannot be understated. The President of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Marsia Geldert-Murphey, emphasized the significance of the National Dam Safety Program and the High Hazard Potential Dam Rehabilitation Grant Program, stating that they support the monitoring and maintenance of the nation's dams. Sharon Tapia, President of the Association of State Dam Safety Officials, expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for prioritizing dam safety and reducing the risks associated with dam failures.

The introduction of the National Dam Safety Program Amendment Act and the Low-Head Dam Inventory Act demonstrates a concerted effort to improve the safety of dams in the United States. By reauthorizing and strengthening the National Dam Safety Program and implementing a process to track low-head dams, these bills aim to protect downstream communities and prevent catastrophic dam failures.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-kuster-and-ryan-introduce-bills-prevent-catastrophic-dam-failures