H.R. 10635: Saving Rural Reservoirs Act

This bill would expand an existing federal program so that more types of dams can qualify for rehabilitation assistance under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act.

What the bill changes

Current law helps pay for rehabilitation of certain watershed structures when they are reaching the end of their useful life. This bill would specifically add “covered dams” to that list.

What counts as a “covered dam”

The bill defines a covered dam as either:

• a high hazard potential dam that already qualifies under existing dam safety law; or
• any dam that is:
  • located in a town of fewer than 5,000 people, and
  • made mostly of compacted earth layers (more than half of the dam’s embankment volume).

Practical effect

In plain terms, the bill would make it easier for federal rehabilitation funding to be used for certain small-town earthen dams and for dams considered especially risky if they fail. The goal appears to be to help repair or upgrade these dams before they become unsafe or reach the end of their expected life.

Relevant Companies

None found