As climate change continues to bring heavy rains and intense storms, the risk of dam failures and subsequent flooding is increasing in many parts of the United States. Recent incidents in states like Georgia, Minnesota, New York, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin have highlighted the vulnerability of communities downstream from aging dams. The Associated Press found that conflicting federal policies have hindered the ability of local officials to share crucial information about potential dam failures with residents, businesses, and property owners. This lack of transparency not only puts lives at risk but also affects flood insurance costs for residents.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) oversees the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides coverage to about 4.7 million policyholders across nearly 22,700 local governments. However, a voluntary program called the Community Rating System offers discounts on flood insurance premiums based on a community’s flood mitigation and safety measures. Achieving a Class 1 ranking in this system can result in a 45% discount for residents, but very few communities have been able to attain this level due to challenges related to dam safety initiatives.
One of the criteria for achieving a top ranking in the Community Rating System is the maintenance of maps showing areas that could be inundated if a dam were to fail, along with public outreach efforts to educate residents about potential risks. However, some federal agencies have restricted the release of inundation maps for dams they own or regulate, citing national security concerns. This secrecy has made it difficult for local officials to share specific information about dam failures with residents, further increasing the risk to communities downstream.
In response to concerns raised about the lack of transparency regarding dam safety, the Bureau of Reclamation has announced that it will revise its policies to allow communities to publicly share information about dam inundation zones starting in 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has also become more transparent about flood risks from its dams by posting inundation maps online. FEMA is considering changes to the Community Rating System to incentivize communities to reduce flood risks, including addressing the challenges related to dam safety initiatives.
Despite ongoing efforts to improve transparency and communication about dam safety, changes are not expected to be implemented until 2026. FEMA has opened a public comment period for suggestions on potential revisions to the Community Rating System, with the deadline set for September 9. While progress is being made in addressing the conflicting federal policies surrounding dam failures, it remains crucial for communities to be aware of the risks posed by aging dams and the potential consequences of a failure. By working together to improve communication and collaboration, residents, businesses, and officials can better prepare for and mitigate the risks associated with flooding events.
