Safety of Dams Legislation Signed by the President

Press Release

Legislation passed by the House and Senate that authorizes $540 million per year for the Bureau of Reclamation to carry out dam safety projects, was signed by President Bush today. The Bureau's "Safety of Dams Program" is currently authorized at $109 million a year.

"We have an aging federal dam system that needs new resources to enhance the safety and reliability of these vital facilities. Water capture and storage is key to providing a reliable water supply to California and the western states," said Calvert, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Water and Power which oversees the federal dam system.

Interior Secretary Gale Norton praised the legislation. "I want to commend Representatives Richard Pombo and Ken Calvert for sponsoring this important legislation. The Act ensures that the Bureau of Reclamation will continue to be able to identify dam safety problems and carry out timely repairs and modifications at the lowest possible cost. Reclamation's monitoring and emergency management authorities are critical to the safety of project beneficiaries and the downstream public."

"The legislation also provides greater opportunities for stakeholders to consult with the bureau on the need for repairs and modifications and the status and costs of those projects. I also appreciate the discretionary waiver authority that the act provides the Secretary of the Interior to take appropriate action deemed necessary for the safety and security of Reclamation dams," said Norton.

Approximately one half of the Bureau's dams are between 50 and 100 years old. They were built before modern design and construction practices were available. The Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for 457 dams and dikes.

The bill, S.1727, was passed on November 17th. It is the Senate version of H.R.4893, introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert and passed on October 7, 2004.

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