PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4927-4928)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jul 15, 2021
Twenty-First Century Dams Act
This bill addresses dam infrastructure and safety.
First, the bill provides resources for programs related to state dam safety, the rehabilitation of high hazard potential dams, and the inspection of dams. In particular, the bill reauthorizes through FY2026 the National Dam Safety Program.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
In addition, the bill reauthorizes through FY2026 a program related to the rehabilitation of structural measures and a program related to water infrastructure.
The bill directs the Department of the Army to establish a program to carry out dam removal projects.
Further, the bill establishes the Dam Removal Council to (1) coordinate with participating federal agencies to annually notify all known dam owners of the availability of dam removal funding and provide guidance on the existing programs of participating agencies; (2) evaluate and submit to Army recommendations for dam removal projects, technical assistance programs, and funding allocations; and (3) develop a dam removal strategy.
The bill requires certain dam assessments, including a joint assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Department of Energy.
The bill also authorizes specified federal agencies to undertake certain activities related to federal dam infrastructure.
People & committees
Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] · D–CA
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4927-4928)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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