National Dam Safety Program (NDSP)

 
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    CFDA#

    97.041     		 

    Funder Type

    Federal Government

    IT Classification

    B - Readily funds technology as part of an award

    Authority

    Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

    Summary

    The National Dam Safety Program (NDSP) is a partnership of states, federal agencies, and other stakeholders to promote the establishment and maintenance of effective federal and state dam safety programs to reduce the risk to human life, property, and the environment from dam related hazards. 


    Congressionally mandated functions of the program are:   

    • Leadership: The leadership shall be the responsibility of FEMA and shall be exercised by chairing the National Dam Safety Review Board to coordinate national efforts to improve the safety of the dams in the United States. 
    • Technical assistance: The technical assistance activity shall consist of the transfer of knowledge and technical information among the federal and nonfederal elements. 
    • Public awareness: The public awareness activity shall provide the education of the public, including state and local officials, in the hazards of dam failure, methods of reducing the adverse consequences of dam failure, and related matters. 

    The primary purpose of the National Dam Safety Program (NDSP) State Assistance Grant Program is to provide financial assistance to the states for strengthening their dam safety programs.


    The states use NDSP funds for the following types of activities:

    • Dam safety training for state personnel
    • Increase in the number of dam inspections
    • Increase in the submittal and testing of Emergency Action Plans
    • More timely review and issuance of permits
    • Improved coordination with state emergency preparedness officials
    • Identification of dams to be repaired or removed
    • Conduct dam safety awareness workshops and creation of dam safety videos and other outreach materials

    The program enables statutory state dam safety programs to take precautions that ensure the safety of the dams, such as the development of regulatory authority for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of dams, the undertaking of dam inspections, development of Emergency Action Plans for dams, and educating dam owners and the public about the necessity of dam safety

     

    History of Funding

    For Fiscal Year 2024, FEMA made available $26 million in allocations to 48 states and Puerto Rico through FEMA's National Dam Safety Program.

    https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/learn/dam-safety/grants#2024

    Up to $6,537,620 was available in FY2018 for 51 awards.

    Additional Information

    Unallowable Project Types 

    Grant funds may not be used to construct or repair any Federal or non-Federal dam. 


    Allowable Project Types 

    • 1.1 Perform targeted safety inspections of High Hazard (HH) dams/dams of highest consequence. 
    • 1.2 Perform targeted condition assessment and evaluations of reservoirs and high hazard dams/dams of highest consequence. 
    • 1.3 Development of new or updated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) of HH dams / dams of highest consequence.  
    • 1.4 Perform regulatory enforcement actions: Implement enforcement actions to compel the dam owner of an unsafe high hazard potential dam to take action to reduce the risk associated with the dam. Regulatory enforcement actions may include, but not limited to, official notice of violation, civil or criminal penalties, reservoir restrictions, or safe breaching of the dam. 
    • 2.1 Execution of targeted outreach and messaging strategies to inform the public and stakeholders of dam risks and actions that individuals/organizations/communities need to take. 
    • 2.2 Establish and maintain assessment tool for gauging effectiveness of targeted public outreach about hazards and risks associated with dams.  
    • 3.1 Identification of and applied best practices that advance operations of state dam safety programs (includes software programs that assess, monitor, model, and analyze potential and real risk). 
    • 3.2 Risk identification analysis and risk prioritization methodologies to inform decision-making in dam rehabilitation or removal projects of High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD). 
    • 3.3 Build or improve a cybersecurity awareness program to promote resources and the implementation of cybersecurity with owners and operators, consistent with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Dams Sector Cybersecurity Implementation Framework Guidance, and/or CISA's Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals 
    • 3.4 Professional education, workshops, and training on content such as dam operations and safety standards, industry best practices, risk assessment methodologies, and risk communication strategies for dam owners, local officials and emergency managers, and state dam safety staff. 

    Contacts

    FEMA Public Assistance Division

    FEMA Public Assistance Division
    800 K Street NW
    Washington, DC 20472
    (202) 646-3834
    (202) 646-3363

    Jena'i Jordan

    Jena'i Jordan
    Federal Emergency Management Agency

    ,
    (800) 368-6498
     

  • Eligibility Details

    Eligible applicants are state agencies.

    Deadline Details

    Applications are to be submitted by August 15, 2025. A similar deadline is anticipated annually.

    Award Details

    Up to $7,480,000 is available in FY2025 for 50 anticipated awards. Expected Award Range is $40,000– $550,000. Funding is distributed on a formula basis. Project periods will extend up to 12-months, starting September 19, 2025. There is no Cost Match or Cost Share requirement for this program.

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