FEMA Delivers $18.8 Million to Empower States and Territories to Improve Dam Infrastructure

Mitigation Measures Save Lives, Reduce Cost of Future Disasters

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that it will deliver $18.8 million to states and territories across the country through two National Dam Safety Program grants. State and territorial leaders will use this funding to strengthen the resilience of dams, including by repairing, replacing or removing dams that put people and property at risk. This funding aligns with President Donald J. Trump's America First Resilience Strategy, which calls for a new risk-informed approach that treats resilience as an investment opportunity.

"Communities across the country rely on dams to prevent catastrophic flooding," said FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton. "The Trump Administration is investing in this critical component of American infrastructure. Through the National Dam Safety Program, FEMA delivers funds to state and territorial leaders, empowering them to proactively strengthen dams in their communities. When done correctly, mitigation measures like this protect property, reduce the cost of future disasters and save lives."

The funding announced today is for two separate grants under the National Dam Safety Program. FEMA is awarding $11.4 million through the Fiscal Year 2026 Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams grant program. This program focuses funding on dams in the United States classified as high hazard potential, meaning their failure could result in loss of life. States and territories can use the funding to repair, replace, reconstruct or remove eligible dams that put people and property at risk. FEMA is also awarding $7.4 million through the State Assistance grant program. Selected states and territories can use this funding to strengthen their dam safety programs through activities like training more dam safety personnel or conducting dam inspections.

For more information about these grant awards, visit the National Dam Safety Program web page on FEMA.gov.