Local communities, with NRCS assistance, have constructed more than 11,000 dams in 47 states since 1948. Many of these dams are nearing the end of their 50 year design life. Rehabilitation of these dams is needed to address critical public health and safety issues in these communities.
The 2014 Farm Bill made about $262 million available for rehabilitation of 151 dams in 26 states, including Oklahoma. These watershed management projects provide an estimated $2.2 billion in annual benefits in reduced flooding and erosion damages, water supplies and wildlife habitat for roughly 47 million people.
Applications must also have the following attached to SF-424
Project Name
Dam Number
Original Project Authority
Dam Location (legal description)
List of current SLO(s)
Name(s) and Address(es) and contact information for person(s) designated as contact for each of the SLO(s)
Year Dam was constructed
Description of existing condition and known rehabilitation needs of the dam
Description of current benefits provided by dam
Dam Safety Agency Information, permit needs, comments, and recommendations on rehabilitation needs for specific dams. If State Dam Agency ordered any action on dam, attach a copy of the order.
Statement that SLO(s) will commit to:
Assist in leading locally-led planning effort
Obtain needed landrights, including the use of power of eminent domain, if necessay
Provide local cost-share funds and/or in-kind services to provide the required 35% of total project costs
Provide funds for continuing O&M actions
Enter into a new O&M agreement with NRCS
Obtain and bear the cost of required permits and approvals
Provide leadership to assure adequate land use controls are enacted or required for downstream areas prior to construction if a low or significant hazard dam is involved
Provide leadership to assure adequate land treatment measures have been installed on at least 50% of the watershed area above the dam
Statement that the SLO(s) that plan to provide in-kind services and/or acquire landrights will sign a MOU with NRCS before being credited with the value of any in-kind contribution
