Government Administration Announces Dam Safety Program
Government Administration Announces Dam Safety Program
By Joseph Budd
Native Sun News Today Staff Writer
In a move to bolster lives and improve infrastructure, the Department of the Interior, announced a $29 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to invest in the BIA’s Irrigation, Power and Safety of Dams programs.
Tribal communities will receive more than $13 billion for dam restoration, including two dams in South Dakota, one of which is Oglala Dam, located along US Hwy 18 north of Red Cloud and Pine Ridge.
The Secretary of Interior, Deb Haaland said “Through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are making critical infrastructure investments in Tribal communities across the country. In addition to the resources we have allocated for irrigation power systems and water sanitation systems in Indian Country, today’s announcement will further safeguard Tribal water supplies, supporting families and communities. This is yet another step in the Biden-Harris administration’s effort to put investments into communities that need them most.”
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland said, “Maintenance and repairs on our dams have been postponed for many years, leading to deferred maintenance costs for more than a billion dollars. This important funding from President Biden’s Law, is an important step to addressing these problems while will make communities safer and provide additional water for irrigation and other purposes.”
Along with the Oglala Dam, the Allen Dam nearby on the Pine Ridge Reservation will also see an investment in fund designs, and address the known safety deficiencies. Oglala Dam, was drained in 2019 to protect communities downstream, following flood damage that compromised the spillway and outlet works. Addressing the damages will cost more than $20 million, the project should be completed in 2026, to restore an important water supply to the Pine Ridge Community.
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June 7, 2022