WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 6, 2002 -- On Monday, December 2, 2002, President George Bush signed into law the National Dam Safety and Security Act of 2002 (HR 4727).
Enactment of the landmark bill solidifies the nation's commitment to maintain all U.S. dams safe and secure. Sponsored by Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Pa), the law calls for the reauthorization of the National Dam Safety Program, an important national program, administered by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that seeks to improve the safety and security of the nation's dams.
Through the program, FEMA will continue to lead national efforts including research, technology transfer, communication between state and federal agencies, and much needed training for state dam safety engineers. The grant assistance component of the act provides vital support for the improvement of state dam safety programs, which regulate 95 percent of the more than 78,000 dams in the United States.
"The enactment of the National Dam Safety and Security Act comes at a critical point in our nation's history as we collectively work to minimize the potential security risks threatening our infrastructure," said Thomas L. Jackson, P.E., F.ASCE. "The Bush administration should be commended for their valued leadership in the maintenance and safety of our nation's dams."
Dams provide many benefits including flood protection, drinking water, hydroelectric power, irrigation and recreation. However, without proper maintenance, dams can be hazardous structures. Their failure or improper operation can result in loss of human life, economic loss, lifeline disruption and environmental damage. In order to provide safe continuing service, dams require ongoing maintenance, monitoring, frequent safety inspections, and rehabilitation.
Dams have recently been listed as potential targets of intentional acts of terrorism. This law will provide federal leadership and assistance to the state-level programs that shoulder the enormous burden of assuring the safety of our nation's dams.
Founded in 1852, ASCE represents more than 130,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America's oldest national engineering society. The society is now celebrating its 150th anniversary.
