Aging Flood Control Dams Across U.S. Lack Oversight and Transparency, Federal Review Finds

Per a newly released report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Department of Agriculture’s management of nearly 12,000 watershed dams has significant shortcomings that could pose safety risks to communities across the country. The review found gaps in maintenance monitoring, incomplete safety data, and unclear funding procedures for critical rehabilitation projects.

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The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a division of the USDA, is tasked with supporting local governments in maintaining the dams, most of which were constructed between 1954 and 1980. However, GAO found that NRCS has not consistently reviewed operation and maintenance agreements or ensured timely safety inspections. As of August 2024, nearly one-third of dams classified as significant- or high-hazard were overdue for inspection. Additionally, key data on dam conditions were often inaccurate or missing entirely, making it difficult for NRCS to assess safety and performance risks.

In addition to oversight concerns, GAO identified serious issues with how NRCS communicates and manages funding for its Watershed Rehabilitation Program (REHAB). This program helps project sponsors repair and update dams to meet current standards. Yet many local sponsors reported being unaware of REHAB or unclear about how to access funds. For fiscal year 2024, NRCS state offices also failed to document why some funding applications were forwarded to national headquarters over others, raising concerns about transparency and consistency in funding decisions.

To address these findings, GAO issued four key recommendations. These include strengthening NRCS’s oversight of local sponsors’ maintenance compliance, improving the accuracy of dam condition data, clarifying REHAB funding criteria and availability, and requiring documentation of funding decisions. The Department of Agriculture agreed with all recommendations, but until implemented, oversight gaps may continue to expose communities to avoidable flood risks.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Government Accountability Office press release.

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