• Utah receives funding for high-hazard dam rehabilitation.
• Partnership between state agencies and dam owners.
• Funding prioritizes safety and responsible water management.

July 19, 2024 –– Utah is set to receive $7.2 million in federal funding for much-needed upgrades to its high-hazard dams. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently allocated $185 million to 32 states and one U.S. territory for aging dam infrastructure.

Candice Hasenyager, director of the Division of Water Resources, expressed her gratitude for the funding, stating, “Aging dam infrastructure and the requirement to meet the minimum dam safety standards make this initial award a welcome sight. 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 collaborate to identify high-hazard dams, prioritize needs with dam owners, and secure funding. This collaborative effort ensures that the allocated funds are effectively utilized to address the state’s most critical dam safety issues.

Utah State Engineer Teresa Wilhelmsen emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, “This funding will be put to great use in helping address the minimum safety standards on dams across the state. 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.”

Wilhelmsen further highlighted the state’s commitment to responsibly managing and appropriating water for its residents, emphasizing that this goal can only be achieved with safe and properly functioning dams and other water infrastructure.