SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 8, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced that it has allocated $185 million to 32 states and one U.S. Territory for the rehabilitation of high-hazard dams.
Utah is among the states receiving an initial award, and will likely receive $7.2 million.
“Aging dam infrastructure and the requirement to meet the minimum dam safety standards make this initial award a welcome sight,” said Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, in a prepared statement.
“Dam improvements are imperative to the safety of Utahns, and they are also costly. We are grateful for FEMA’s support.”
The Utah Division of Water Resources and the Utah Division of Water Rights (which encompasses the Office of the State Engineer) will identify high-hazard dams, prioritize needs with dam owners, and pursue potential funding sources.
“This funding will be put to great use in helping address the minimum safety standards on dams across the state,” said Utah State Engineer Teresa Wilhelmsen, director of Water Rights.
“We work directly with dam owners to perform annual inspections, to provide consulting, and to oversee repairs, maintenance and construction. Funding for dam safety is always a top concern for everyone involved.”
For more information, view the Division of Water Resources dam safety web page, or for detailed information about state dams, safety ratings, inspection records or emergency plans, visit the Division of Water Rights dam safety database.
A breakdown of approximate allocations for states and territories is as follows:
- Arizona $2.5 million
- California $5.4 million
- Colorado $6.7 million
- Connecticut $3 million
- Georgia $6.2 million
- Hawaii $10.3 million
- Kansas $3 million
- Louisiana $2 million
- Maine $2.4 million
- Maryland $4.2 million
- Massachusetts $6.9 million
- Michigan $3 million
- Minnesota $2 million
- Mississippi $3.5 million
- Montana $3.4 million
- Nebraska $2 million
- New Hampshire $6.5 million
- New Jersey $6.5 million
- New Mexico $3 million
- New York $9.2 million
- North Carolina $9.5 million
- Ohio $10.9 million
- Oklahoma $5.1 million
- Oregon $3.5 million
- Pennsylvania $18 million
- Puerto Rico $2.7 million
- South Carolina $5.8 million
- South Dakota $2.9 million
- Texas $10.7 million
- Utah $7.2 million
- Virginia $5.5 million
- Washington $4.6 million
- West Virginia $2.7 million
- Wyoming $2.5 million
Selected states and territories will now prioritize and determine which projects to fund based on their awards. FEMA will announce funded projects later this year.
