FEMA sends grant to fund upgrades on Utah’s ‘high-hazard’ dams

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded Utah $7.2 million in a federal grant to help repair the aging infrastructure of dams across the state. Utah Division of Water Resources Director Candice Hasenyager told ABC4.com it’s a helpful start but there is a long way to go.

According to Utah Hazard Mitigation, there are over 6,000 dams in the Beehive State in total. They serve a big role in Utah’s water infrastructure, from water retention to giving Utahns water areas to boat, fish, swim, and more.

Hasenyager explained that about 200 of the 6,000 dams across the state are considered to be “high hazard,” but don’t let that designation scare you.

“That doesn’t mean that they might fail,” said Hasenyager. “What it means is that if they did fail, there could be a loss of life.”

Still, just like any infrastructure, dams are subject to aging or a change in minimum safety requirements and need upgrades. There are about 100 “high-hazard” dams that need upgrades to meet new minimum safety standards or need maintenance repairs. Hasenyager said the FEMA grant, alongside appropriations set aside by the Utah State Legislature, will help.

“We’ve estimated, on average, [repairs and upgrades] cost about $4.5 million to upgrade one dam,” said Hasenyager.

Hasenyager did not specify which dams will be the first to receive funding from the FEMA grant, however, she said the 100 high-hazard dams in need of upgrades will be an area of focus for the Utah Division of Water Rights and the Division of Water Resources.

Hasenyager explained that the two departments are grateful for FEMA’s support, calling the federal grant a welcome sight.

“Dam improvements are imperative to the safety of Utahns, and they are also costly,” she said.

Utah State Engineer Teresa Wilhelmsen said the Department of Water Rights works directly with dam owners to do annual inspections, provide consultations, and oversee repairs, maintenance, and construction of the dams. She added that dam safety is a top concern for everyone involved.

“This funding will be put to great use in helping address the minimum safety standards on dams across the state,” said Wilhelmsen.

Hasenyager said Utah’s water departments will continue to work with state legislators to appropriate more funding to help facilitate more repairs and upgrades on Utah’s dams in the future.

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