DAM SAFETY ACT OF 2006 -- (House of Representatives - September 27, 2006)
Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4981, the Dam Safety Act of 2006, which reauthorizes and amends the National Dam Safety program. The program's goal is to reduce the risks to life and property by establishing an effective national dam safety maintenance program that utilizes the resources and expertise of the Federal and non-Federal communities to achieve the reduction of dam safety hazards. In other words, one of the primary purposes of the National Dam Safety program is to provide financial assistance to the States for strengthening their dam safety program.
Since the passage of the National Dam Safety Program Act in 1996, the program has improved the Nation's dam safety. Dam safety inspections have increased; State training programs have been enhanced; and research in the area of improving dam safety has increased.
Additionally, in light of our Nation's need to protect our infrastructure from possible terrorist attacks, the National Dam Safety Review Board has established the Dam Safety Security Task Force to facilitate dialogue and offer technical assistance and support on security-related policy and guidance, and there has been an increase in the development of dam safety and security emergency action plans.
H.R. 4981, the Dam Safety Act of 2006, seeks to build upon these achievements made over the past several years and enhance them. The bill strengthens the act by improving the national dam inventory, and encourages States to improve State dam safety programs and increase reauthorization levels of the various components of the act.
Mr. Speaker, many people are not aware that there are approximately 80,000 dams in the United States. Of these, approximately 10,000 dams are considered to have high hazard potential, meaning their failure could result in loss of life or severe property damage. It is critical that we help to ensure the safety and security of these dams.
H.R. 4981, the Dam Safety Act of 2006, is a good bill, has bipartisan support, and I urge its passage.
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