Dam Removal in the United States
RFF experts are examining the potential for removing, rather than repairing, aging dams.
Report | Aligning Dam Removal and Dam Safety
Read an analysis of case studies of specific state-level dam safety programs in order to determine avenues to improvement, especially in the context of dam removal.
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Issue Brief | Funding Dam Removal
Learn about different options for funding dam removal in the United States, from federal funds to state and local funds.
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Issue Brief | Federal Funding
Funding is scattered across many different federal programs and entities, but few focus solely on dam removals. It is often difficult to pinpoint exactly how much money is available. It is also necessary for Congress to set appropriations in some programs closer to authorized levels to make more hea
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Resources Magazine — Oct 22, 2020
Dismantling Dams Can Help Address US Infrastructure Problems
If repairing hazardous dams can help prevent catastrophic destruction, but removing them is a more cost-effective option with environmental benefits—then, why is dam removal so rare?
Report — Oct 22, 2020
Dams and Dam Removals in the United States
This report analyzes the potential of dam removal by using nationwide data to assess the distribution of dams across the United States by size, age, purpose, and ownership type.
Report — Oct 22, 2020
Aligning Dam Removal and Dam Safety: Comparing Policies and Institutions across States
This report analyzes case studies of specific state-level dam safety programs in order to determine avenues to improvement, especially in the context of dam removal.
Issue Brief — Dec 17, 2020
Funding Dam Removals Through Section 404 and Natural Resource Damage Regulatory Compliance
In the fourth and final issue brief in a series on funding sources for dam removals, this paper discusses funding from entities looking to meet regulatory obligations.
Issue Brief — Dec 10, 2020
State and Local Funding for Dam Removal in the United States
The third installment in a four-part series about funding sources to remove aging dams, this issue brief discusses specific policies and programs on the state and local level that may aid dam removal efforts.
Issue Brief — Dec 7, 2020
Federal Funding for Dam Removal in the United States
The second installment in a series about funding sources for dam removal, this issue brief discusses the role federal agencies and programs may play in dam removal projects.
Press Release — Dec 17, 2020
Finding the Funding to Tackle America’s Aging Dam Problem
New research by RFF scholars finds that federal, state, and local options exist to restore waterways and improve public safety.
Press Release — Dec 2, 2020
Who Should Pay to Remove Our Nation’s Aging Dams?
Oftentimes, the best option for many dams that have outlived their original purposes is removal. While removing a dam tends to benefit aquatic habitat, water quality, and river recreation options, finding the funding to do so is often a major hurdle.
Press Release — Oct 22, 2020
Aging Dams Present Hazards to Communities. Removal—Rather Than Repair—Often Provides a Cost-Effective Option.
Two new studies analyze the role of state dam safety regulations and policies that incentivize—or disincentivize—dam owners to remove aging dams. They find that a lack of funding and information for dam owners, in combination with many dams falling through the regulatory cracks, is often a barrier to removal.