Fiscal Year 2026 National Dam Safety Program - Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD)

The Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams grant program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency within its Resilience and Hazard Mitigation Directorate. This program is part of the broader National Dam Safety Program and is designed to address the significant risks posed by high hazard potential dams across the United States. These dams are classified as high hazard not because of their structural condition alone, but because their failure could result in loss of life, substantial economic damage, environmental harm, and disruption to critical infrastructure. The program reflects federal priorities in strengthening national resilience and reducing long term disaster costs through proactive infrastructure investment. The primary purpose of the program is to provide federal funding to eligible state entities, which then pass through funds to local governments, tribal entities, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations for the rehabilitation, repair, removal, or reconstruction of dams that do not meet minimum safety standards. The program emphasizes risk reduction and requires that funded projects align with national level risk priorities. Activities supported under this funding opportunity include planning and risk assessments, engineering design, and construction activities directly tied to dam safety improvements. However, routine maintenance, hydropower modifications, or projects that increase water storage capacity without improving safety are not allowable uses of funds. Funding for this opportunity is substantial, with a total program allocation of over eleven million dollars and individual awards ranging from one hundred thousand dollars up to seven and a half million dollars. The program anticipates approximately fifty awards. A significant requirement of this funding is a non federal cost share, generally structured as a maximum of sixty five percent federal funding and thirty five percent non federal contribution. Exceptions to this requirement may apply for smaller or economically disadvantaged communities. Matching contributions may include cash or in kind services, but must meet federal cost allowability standards. Eligibility for this program is limited at the applicant level to states with authorized dam safety programs, as well as Puerto Rico, with each applicant designating a State Administrative Agency to manage the grant. Subrecipients may include local governments, tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies, provided they meet strict criteria. These include compliance with state dam safety regulations, participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, development of floodplain management plans, and demonstration of a strong benefit to cost ratio. Projects must also align with approved hazard mitigation plans at both the state and local levels, ensuring that dam related risks are comprehensively addressed. The application process is conducted through the FEMA Grants Outcomes system and requires multiple registrations including SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and login.gov. Applicants must submit a structured application package that includes standard federal forms, a list of eligible dams, a proposed budget, a state administrative plan, and assurances regarding compliance and cost share. The process is divided into two parts, with an initial application followed by a detailed scope of work package for selected applicants. The scope of work must include detailed project descriptions, timelines, environmental considerations, and budget narratives. Applications are evaluated through a multi stage review process that includes eligibility screening, technical and programmatic review, and financial integrity assessment. FEMA prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong risk reduction, alignment with national priorities, and the ability to deliver measurable outcomes. Applications that contribute to multi state or national infrastructure resilience, such as those affecting energy, agriculture, or water systems, receive additional consideration. The review process also emphasizes the importance of benefit to cost ratios and compliance with federal mitigation planning requirements. The timeline for this funding opportunity includes an application opening in early August and a closing deadline at the end of August, with funding decisions expected by the end of September. Awards are anticipated shortly thereafter, and the period of performance generally spans up to thirty six months. Additional deadlines apply for submission of detailed project scopes following award selection. This program is part of an ongoing federal effort and may recur annually, reflecting continued national investment in infrastructure resilience and disaster risk reduction.

Emphasize strong benefit cost ratio near 4 to 1 alignment with national risk priorities and ensure hazard mitigation plans fully address dam risks