Dam Removal & River Restoration: Billions in Federal Funding
A New Era for Rivers
Across the United States, a surge in federal infrastructure funding is revitalizing efforts to remove aging and often dilapidated dams. This trend aims to restore rivers to their natural state, boosting biodiversity, improving water quality, and enhancing flood protection in the face of increasingly severe storms.
Billions for Dam Removal and Restoration
The bipartisan infrastructure bill has allocated over $2 billion to federal agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Federal Emergency Management Agency, for dam-related projects. This includes:
- Maintaining and repairing dams
- Removing dams and other barriers
- Addressing culverts that impede fish passage
Already, $920 million has been invested in 544 projects across the country. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service alone is receiving $200 million over five years for dam removal initiatives.
States Join the Effort
State governments are also contributing to dam removal projects. North Carolina, which has a large number of dams in poor condition, has dedicated $7.2 million to removing several dams, including the Shulls Mill Dam. Michigan has allocated over $43 million for dam maintenance and removal following a devastating dam failure in 2020.
Benefits for Aquatic Life and Ecosystems
Dam removal offers significant benefits for aquatic species, particularly migratory fish like trout and salmon. Studies show that removing dams can:
- Lower water temperatures
- Increase dissolved oxygen levels
- Boost fish populations
- Improve habitat for freshwater mussels and American eels
Large and Small Dams Targeted
While some large dam systems, like the Klamath River dams in California, are being removed, most projects focus on smaller structures. In Maine, the Remnant Mill Dam removal will aid river herring and endangered Atlantic salmon. In New Hampshire, the Washburn Mill Dam removal will restore brook trout habitat.
Balancing Ecological Benefits and Concerns
Although dam removal is widely supported for its ecological benefits, some, particularly Republican lawmakers in the West, express concerns about the loss of reservoirs, potential job losses in the hydroelectric sector, and the impact on farmers' water sources. They argue that other factors, such as overfishing and pollution, also contribute to declining fish populations.
Success Stories and Future Outlook
Despite these concerns, dam removal projects are showing promising results. In North Carolina, the removal of dams along the Watauga River has already led to cleaner water and increased fish activity. The removal of the Shulls Mill Dam is expected to improve habitat for the endangered eastern hellbender salamander.
The recent surge in funding for dam removal represents a significant step towards restoring river ecosystems across the country. While challenges and debates remain, the focus on improving aquatic connectivity and biodiversity is paving the way for a healthier and more resilient future for our rivers and the species that depend on them.