Working Group #7
Policy, Strategy and Implementation of U.S. Dam Rehabilitation, Retrofits, and Removals
Working Group 7 will explore opportunities for a more coordinated approach to increasing public and private investment in the 3Rs of the nation’s dams (rehabilitate, retrofit, remove). Potential funding options may include but are not limited to federal and state grants and loans for dam rehabilitation and innovative energy projects; infrastructure-related funding; federal dam removal funding; tax credits; private activity bonds; master limited partnerships; state carbon programs; and philanthropic investment in river restoration and dam removal. The WG may also evaluate the creation of a broad- based coalition to advocate for the funding of the three Rs and thereby advance renewable energy, river conservation, and public safety.
The objectives of Working Group 7 are to:
- Explore opportunities for a more coordinated approach to increasing public and private investment in rehabilitation, retrofits and removals of the nation’s dams and improve related processes. Potential funding options may include but are not limited to:
- Federal and state grants and loans for dam rehabilitation and innovative energy projects
- Infrastructure-related funding
- Federal dam removal funding
- Tax credits (including renewable energy and storage tax credits and hydroelectric production incentives)
- Private activity bonds
- Master limited partnerships
- State carbon programs
- Philanthropic investment in river restoration and dam removal
- Evaluate the creation of a broad-based coalition to advocate for the funding of the three Rs and thereby advance renewable energy, river conservation, and public safety.
Working Group 7 Deliverables:
Plan to Disseminate BIL Educational Materials to Hydropower Stakeholders (June 2024)
In June 2023 – May 2024, Working Group 7 members shared educational materials related to BIL funding opportunities through multiple channels, including communications to hydropower asset owners, briefings, presentations at conferences and meetings, and webinars. The document contains a list of these outreach and education efforts during Budget Period 1.
Materials to Educate Hydropower Stakeholders About the Various Programs That Will Be Distributing Funds From the BIL for Dam Removal, Retrofits, and Safety Improvements (May 2024)
Working Group 7 participants representing all three of the Uncommon Dialogue “Rs” prepared educational materials regarding BIL funding. These materials are summarized below, with links to the full documents.
Working Group 7 Co-Chairs:
- Katherine Schmidt, American Rivers
- Surabhi Karambelkar, Low Impact Hydropower Institute
- Matthew Allen, National Hydropower Association