Press Releases

Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) introduced the National Dam Safety Reauthorization Act of 2023 alongside U.S. Representatives Chuck Edwards (NC-11), Kim Schrier (WA-8), and Ann Kuster (NH-2),  as well as U.S. Senators Diane Feinstein (CA) and Kevin Cramer (ND). A bipartisan piece of legislation, this bill will ensure that the National Dam Safety Program maintains its critical role in the protection of our nation’s dam safety and security.

Through strong partnerships between states and federal agencies, the National Dam Safety Program promotes the maintenance and establishment of robust state and federal dam safety programs—increasing public safety and effectively eliminating risk to human life, property, and the environment. Funding streams made available through reauthorization will provide grants, training, research, and public awareness efforts locally—ultimately aimed at preventing dam failures.

New York’s 22nd district is home to 90 dams, with an average age of 99-years-old. Each of these dams in NY-22 are classified as high-hazard potential (HHP), where failure could result in loss of life. The National Dam Safety Reauthorization Act will allow for the continuation of resiliency efforts and the advancement of critical infrastructure.

“With 90 dams in New York’s 22nd Congressional District averaging 100 years old, now more than ever it is critically important funding is available for resiliency efforts—our local communities must be protected,” said Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22). “Joining 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 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.”

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Press: Taylor Weyeneth | (202) 834-3026

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