Congressman Jeff Van Drew hosted local officials for the opening of the rebuilt Lake Lenape Dam in Mays Landing, South Jersey. The reconstruction was funded by $4.6 million in federal money, secured through a Community Project Funding Congressional earmark. This funding allowed for the replacement of an aging dam classified as high-hazard.
“Today was a proud day for South Jersey,” said Congressman Van Drew. “The Lake Lenape dam had become a serious, life-threatening hazard. Because of the $4.6 million in federal funding we fought for and delivered, this dangerous structure was replaced with a dependable dam that protects the homes, businesses, and families of our local community. Across the country, many dams are decades old and in urgent need of repair. That is why I also introduced the bipartisan DAMS Act, which would make sure states have the resources they need to inspect, maintain, and upgrade this critical infrastructure. At the end of the day, this is about protecting our people, and I will always fight to make sure we get it done.”
The DAMS Act has received support from several stakeholders who highlighted its importance for public safety and infrastructure improvement.
“Dams are an important part of Nevada’s water infrastructure and ensuring that they are well-maintained is vital to public safety,” said Congresswoman Titus (NV-1). “I am proud to co-lead this bill to reauthorize the National Dam Safety Program which provides critical assistance to Nevada for training, emergency planning, and inspections at nearly 30 dams. The DAMS Act also gives state officials the flexibility to deploy this federal assistance to projects that need it the most. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to advance this public safety measure in a timely manner.”
Tom Kiernan, President of American Rivers Action Fund stated: “The DAMS Act is a step forward for our rivers and the communities that depend on them. Dam safety isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about saving lives, protecting homes, and ensuring our rivers can thrive. By investing in the three Rs approach—rehabilitation, retrofits, and removal—of our nation’s aging, unsafe dams, we save lives, and lay the groundwork for a strong, thriving economy. This bill reflects a vision of a safer, more resilient future. American Rivers is grateful for Representatives Van Drew and Titus’s leadership on this critical infrastructure issue, because when we protect our rivers and strengthen infrastructure, we protect ourselves.”
Mia Kannik P.E., President of Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO), commented: “The dam safety community appreciates the leadership of Representatives Van Drew and Titus in introducing the DAMS Act. By reducing red tape and easing access to federal programs, this bill will help states focus on the real work of protecting lives and property, and will provide dam owners with the predictability they need to plan and invest in long-term safety. We encourage Congress to support this commonsense legislation that strengthens state capacity and improves dam safety nationwide.”
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) President Feniosky Peña-Mora emphasized: “The High Hazard Potential Dam Rehabilitation Grant Program is one of the most important federal programs supporting dam safety, and one of the only federal grant programs for repairs to dams which would pose the greatest risk to communities in the event of a failure. Reauthorization of this critical program is essential. The DAMS Act will ensure that the resources made available by this program can continue to support dam safety and help protect downstream communities while prioritizing rehabilitation projects for dams which pose the greatest risk.”
