WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is making $11.4 million available to states and territories this month to rehabilitate high-hazard dams, targeting infrastructure whose failure could put lives and property at risk.
The fiscal 2026 funding is being offered through FEMA’s Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams grant program. Applications opened Aug. 5 and are due Aug. 31.
Funding may be used to repair, replace, reconstruct or remove eligible non-federal dams classified as high hazard potential by a state or territorial dam safety program.
Eligible dams must also be located in communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program. Non-federal governments and nonprofit organizations are eligible for funding under the program.
The high-hazard designation reflects the potential consequences of a dam failure, making rehabilitation a component of federal efforts to reduce future disaster losses and protect infrastructure.
“One of the most powerful ways communities can protect lives and critical infrastructure is through the presence of safe, durable dams,” Robert Fenton, senior official performing the duties of FEMA administrator, said.
Fenton said the grants would provide state and local emergency management agencies with additional resources to rehabilitate high-hazard dams and reduce risks to lives and property.
The dam program is part of FEMA’s broader portfolio of mitigation grants intended to help state, local, tribal and territorial governments reduce exposure to disasters before they occur. Such projects can strengthen infrastructure and limit the financial impact of future floods and other emergencies.
Additional information and application requirements are available through the federal funding notice on Grants.gov.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.