Senate advances dam‑safety bill to clarify emergency authority and launch pilot plans

The Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee presented H778, a bill to strengthen emergency authority and preparedness related to dam safety. Committee members said the measure clarifies that municipal authority does not limit the governor or emergency management from ordering evacuations if a dam has failed or is in imminent danger of failing. The bill also launches a pilot to develop emergency operation plans, evacuation coordination and communications for two high‑hazard dams and requires a report back to the Legislature by July 1, 2028.

The committee outlined appropriations to support the pilot: $250,000 for emergency management and $125,000 to the Department of Environmental Conservation. Committee witnesses included dam‑safety staff, emergency‑management officials and legislative council. In committee discussion a sponsor named two likely pilot sites (the Wrightsville dam and what the presenter described as "Quadaville"), noting the state has more than 800 dams and several are in disrepair.

The Appropriations Committee reported the listed appropriations were included in the budget and recommended passage; Natural Resources recommended the bill and the Senate ordered third reading.

The committee report characterized the bill as a public‑safety measure to close ambiguity and improve preparedness; it requires the Department of Environmental Conservation and emergency managers to produce actionable plans and report progress to the Legislature.