Conflicting federal policies are creating a dilemma for thousands of residents living in flood-prone areas across the United States. According to an Associated Press review of federal records and data, these policies are forcing residents to either pay more for flood insurance or remain unaware of the potential danger posed by dams built upstream from their homes and workplaces.
The root of the problem lies in a complex web of flood policies and national security precautions implemented after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. To qualify for the best discount on flood insurance, communities must accurately map all homes, businesses, and critical facilities at risk of a potential dam failure and inform residents of the associated risks. However, this task proves challenging, if not impossible, in some communities due to restrictions imposed by other federal agencies that own or regulate hundreds of dams across the country, citing security concerns.
Despite warnings from officials, the issue has persisted for years, with federal agencies failing to address the implications of their conflicting policies. A California emergency services official highlighted the impact of these policies in a presentation to FEMA’s National Dam Safety Review Board, emphasizing that the lack of dam information sharing jeopardizes communities, increases costs for homeowners, and potentially puts lives at risk.
In response to mounting pressure, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun publicly releasing maps of areas that could be flooded in the event of a dam failure. However, similar information remains restricted by other federal agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The Bureau of Reclamation has announced plans to revise its policies and share more information about dam-failure inundation zones by 2025, but the process may take several years to complete for all its dams.
Meanwhile, FEMA is seeking public feedback on potential revisions to its Community Rating System, which offers discounts on flood insurance to communities that implement risk reduction measures. During a recent public hearing, officials from Phoenix raised concerns about the unfairness of conflicting federal policies regarding dam flood zones, highlighting the challenges faced by communities striving to secure better insurance discounts for their residents.
One such community grappling with these challenges is Sacramento, California, a region highly vulnerable to catastrophic flooding due to its proximity to Folsom Dam. Despite achieving a high score in FEMA’s rating system, Sacramento County failed to qualify for the top flood insurance discount due to restrictions imposed by the Bureau of Reclamation regarding Folsom Dam, hindering the county’s efforts to meet FEMA’s mapping and outreach criteria for potential dam failures.
The city of Sacramento has also encountered difficulties in meeting FEMA’s standards for flood insurance discounts due to limited information about Bureau of Reclamation dams. The lack of access to crucial information not only results in higher insurance premiums for residents but also hampers efforts to educate the public about the risks associated with living in dam-protected areas.
As climate change intensifies, the risk of flooding from heavy rains and dam failures continues to escalate, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive and transparent information sharing. Recent incidents of dam failures in various states have highlighted the devastating consequences of inadequate preparedness and the importance of proactive risk mitigation measures.
Despite the pressing need for reform, federal agencies have been slow to address the issue of conflicting policies and information sharing gaps related to dam safety. The reluctance of some agencies to release critical information on dam-failure inundation zones citing national security concerns has further complicated efforts to enhance community resilience and reduce flood risks.
Moving forward, it is imperative for federal agencies to prioritize public safety and transparency by facilitating the sharing of essential information on dam safety and flood risks. Collaborative efforts between agencies, local governments, and communities are essential to bridge the existing gaps in information sharing and ensure that residents are adequately informed and prepared for potential disasters. By addressing these challenges and streamlining communication and coordination efforts, we can work towards a more resilient and secure future for all residents living in flood-prone areas.