The Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) Grant Program is a federal initiative administered by FEMA through the National Dam Safety Program (NDSP). This program provides funding to states for subawards to eligible non-federal government agencies and nonprofit organizations to support the rehabilitation, removal, or risk-reduction of High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPDs) that do not meet minimum dam safety standards and pose an unacceptable risk to life and property.
This grant supports activities that rehabilitate or remove unsafe High Hazard Potential Dams, improve dam safety and reduce downstream risk, and align state and local efforts with FEMA’s risk-based hazard mitigation strategies.
While state-specific eligibility criteria and funding timelines are determined annually, dam owners and potential applicants are encouraged to begin planning projects that may qualify under this program.
Notice of Interest
Dam owners and potential project sponsors interested in the HHPD Grant Program are encouraged to complete a Notice of Interest (NOI) form. This helps the Natural Resources Division allocate resources and prepare for future funding rounds.
Application Support and Informational Resources
Each grant cycle includes an informational webinar hosted by the Dam Safety Program. The session outlines:
- Background and available funding
- Applicant and dam eligibility
- Eligible activities
- Application process and timeline
- State and federal requirements
- Review and award selection process
Eligible Dams
For a dam to be eligible for funds from this grant program, the dam must:
- Meet the federal definition of “dam” found at 33 U.S. Code § 467
- Be classified as a “High Hazard Potential” dam by the State’s Dam Safety Program
- Have been determined by the State to fail to meet minimum state dam safety standards and pose an unacceptable risk to the public and have a condition assessment rating of POOR or UNSATISFACTORY as identified in the National Inventory of Dams (NID) no later than 9/15/2023. Dams with FAIR condition assessment and a Population at Risk (PAR) >1,000 may be eligible.
- Have a State Dam Safety Program-approved Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place
- Not be federally owned or regulated and not have been originally constructed under the authority of the US Secretary of Agriculture
- Not be a federally licensed hydroelectric dam
- Have deficiencies that are not solely the result of deferred (or a lack of) maintenance
Eligible Applicants
This program is exclusive to non-Federal government entities (e.g., State, County, and Municipal governments; special purpose districts) and nonprofit organizations that are registered as 501(c)(3) nonprofits with the Internal Revenue Service. Private dam owners cannot apply directly, and any applications received from a private dam owner will be rejected; however, an eligible applicant can apply for an HHPD grant on any eligible dam, including dams that are privately owned.
Eligible Projects
The HHPD Grant Program allows federal funds to be utilized on various activities aimed at planning, investigations, preliminary engineering, engineering design, and construction on projects that seek to reduce the overall risk posed by high hazard dams that fail to meet minimum dam safety standards and pose an unacceptable risk to the public. Example activities are eligible for funding:
| Category | Activity |
| Preparedness Planning | Development of evacuation plans, plans for flood fighting, or community response plans to include in the floodplain management plan Coordination of Emergency Action Plan (“EAP”) and Emergency Operations Plan (“EOP”) for different release conditions |
| Planning | Activities and studies that determine risks associated with eligible dams Environmental studies for National Environmental Policy Act compliance Development of operation and maintenance plans |
| Preliminary Engineering | Dam risk and consequence assessments Feasibility studies Alternatives analysis Preliminary engineering studies Mapping, engineering survey, and inundation modeling |
| Engineering Design | Engineering design Development of drawings and specifications |
| Outreach and Risk Communication | Public education and awareness of flood risks associated with the eligible dam project |
| Construction | Repair or rehabilitation of the dam Dam removal Construction monitoring Installation of early warning systems associated with the eligible dam project |
Important Notes for Applicants
- This is a reimbursement-only program. No funds are disbursed in advance.
- Pre-award costs (expenses incurred before award notification) are not reimbursable.
- Funds cannot be used for routine or deferred maintenance or breached dams.
- Final design engineering is only eligible if all preliminary engineering is complete.
- All projects must comply with federal and state procurement laws.
- Subawards require a 35% non-federal cost share, which may be in cash or in-kind contributions.
- The county in which the dam is located must have an updated Hazard Mitigation Plan that includes dam risk. A 12-month extension request and FEMA approval are required as part of the application process.
- A licensed Arkansas Professional Engineer must assist in preparing the application. However, the engineer assisting with the application may not be the one performing funded work unless properly procured.
Program Contact: Whit Montague
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (501) 682-3969