Twenty-First Century Dams Act

To provide funding to rehabilitate, retrofit, and remove the Nation’s dams to improve the health of the Nation’s rivers, improve public safety, and increase clean energy production, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Twenty-First Century Dams Act (b) Table of contents The table of contents for the Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I—Dam Safety Assistance Sec. 101. Increase Federal assistance to improve dam safety. TITLE II—Restore River Ecosystems through Dam Abatements Sec. 201. Purposes. Sec. 202. Definitions. Sec. 203. Dam removal program. Sec. 204. Establishment of Dam Removal Council. Sec. 205. Establishment of Dam Removal Advisory Board. Sec. 206. Dam removal strategy. Sec. 207. Reporting. Sec. 208. Funding. Sec. 209. General provisions. TITLE III—Reimagined Federal Dams Sec. 301. National dam assessment. Sec. 302. Federal dam assessments. Sec. 303. Report. Sec. 304. Investing in Federal dam infrastructure. I Dam Safety Assistance 101. Increase Federal assistance to improve dam safety (a) National Dam Safety Program Act (1) Definitions Section 2(4)(A) of the National Dam Safety Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 467(4)(A) (A) in clause (iii)(II), by striking the semicolon and inserting ; and (B) in clause (iv), by striking ; and (C) by striking clause (v). (2) Inspection of dams Section 3(a) of the National Dam Safety Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 467a(a) (a) In general As soon as practicable, the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, shall carry out a national program of inspection of dams for the purpose of protecting human life and property. All non-Federal dams in the United States that are not under the regulatory inspection authority of a State or Federal entity shall be inspected by the Secretary, except dams which the Secretary of the Army determines do not pose any threat to human life or property. The inspection will include an assessment of downstream hazard and development of a dam failure inundation map and a non-failure residual risk inundation map that can be incorporated in an emergency action plan for the dam. . (3) Assistance for State dam safety programs Section 8(e)(1) of the National Dam Safety Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 467f(e)(1) including the development of emergency action plans improving dam safety programs (4) Priority System Section 8A(f) of the National Dam Safety Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 467f–2(f) (f) Priority System The Administrator, in consultation with the Board, shall develop a risk-based priority system for States to use as a factor in prioritizing multiple applications in a single year of eligible high hazard potential dams for which grants may be made under this section. . (5) Rehabilitation of high hazard potential dams Section 8A(j) of the National Dam Safety Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 467f–2(j) (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ; and (B) in paragraph (4), by striking each of fiscal years 2021 through 2026. fiscal year 2021; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (5) $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. . (6) National dam safety program Section 14(a)(1) of the National Dam Safety Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 467j(a)(1) $9,200,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 $92,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 (7) Inspection of dams Section 14 of the National Dam Safety Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 467j (h) Inspection of dams There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 3 $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. . (8) Allocation Section 14(a)(2) of the National Dam Safety Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 467j(a)(2) (A) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C); (B) by striking the paragraph designation and heading and all that follows through Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), for (2) Allocation For ; (C) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (D) in subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by inserting of the remaining One-third (E) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated)— (i) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by inserting of the remaining Two-thirds (ii) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; and (F) by adding at the end the following: (C) Up to twenty percent to States that qualify for assistance under section 8(e) for the development of emergency action plans as needed. . (9) FEMA Staffing Section 14(f) of the National Dam Safety Program Act ( 33 U.S.C. 467j(f) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 (b) Rehabilitation of structural measures near, at, or past their evaluated life expectancy Section 14(h)(2) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2) (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ; and (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking through 2023. through 2021; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (F) $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. . (c) WIFIA funding Section 5033(a)(1) of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 ( 33 U.S.C. 3912(a)(1) (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ; and (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (F) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. . II Restore River Ecosystems through Dam Abatements 201. Purposes The purposes of this title are to establish an interagency advisory council, a Tribal and stakeholder advisory board, and to provide funding to remove publicly owned and privately owned dams with the consent of dam owners— (1) to reduce public safety risks associated with aging dams; (2) to promote the restoration of riverine habitat for native species of fish and wildlife; (3) to provide for the movement of aquatic species and restoration of migratory fish populations; (4) to improve water quality; and (5) to increase climate resilience. 202. Definitions In this title: (1) Advisory Board The term Advisory Board (2) Aquatic habitat The term aquatic habitat (3) Aquatic species passage The term aquatic species passage (4) Climate resilience The term climate resilience (5) Council The term Council (6) Dam The term dam (A) spans the width of a river or stream (or does not currently span the width of a river or stream due to damage or intentional breach, but was originally constructed to do so); and (B) was constructed to raise the water level, divert water, or store water for a variety of purposes. (7) Dam removal project (A) In general The term dam removal project (B) Dams described A dam referred to in subparagraph (A) is— (i) a non-federally owned powered dam; (ii) a non-federally owned non-powered dam; or (iii) a Federal non-powered dam the removal of which is authorized by Congress, if applicable. (8) Funding allocation The term funding allocation (9) Indian Tribe The term Indian Tribe 25 U.S.C. 5304 (10) Non-Federal interest The term non-Federal interest (A) a State; (B) a political subdivision of a State; (C) an Indian Tribe; (D) a non-Federal dam owner, or a representative; (E) a regional or interstate agency; and (F) as provided in section 203(d)(2), a nongovernmental organization. (11) Participating agency (A) In general The term participating agency (i) that owns 1 or more dams or has jurisdiction over a grant program under which dam removal is an eligible activity; and (ii) that has authority— (I) to conduct dam removal projects; or (II) to provide technical assistance and grants for development, planning, and implementation of dam removal projects. (B) Inclusion The term participating agency (12) Privately owned dam The term privately owned dam (13) Public safety hazard The term public safety hazard (14) Publicly owned dam (A) In general The term publicly owned dam (B) Exclusion The term publicly owned dam (15) Secretary The term Secretary (16) State The term State (A) a State; (B) the District of Columbia; (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; (D) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; (E) the United States Virgin Islands; (F) American Samoa; and (G) Guam. 203. Dam removal program (a) Establishment The Secretary shall establish a dam removal program to carry out dam removal projects and provide technical assistance through the award of contracts and cooperative agreements in accordance with this title. (b) Eligible activities An activity eligible to be carried out with a funding allocation is— (1) a dam removal project; and (2) a Federal or non-Federal technical assistance program. (c) Selection of projects (1) Identification of eligible projects (A) In general Each participating agency shall— (i) review proposed dam removal projects and technical assistance programs, including— (I) projects proposed by a dam owner (or a designee, with the written consent of the dam owner); (II) dam removal projects for Federal non-powered dams owned by the participating agency that— (aa) are no longer providing a critical purpose in the Federal interest; and (bb) have received Congressional authorization, if applicable; (III) non-Federal dam removal technical assistance programs; and (IV) a proposed funding allocation for those projects and programs; and (ii) submit the recommended projects, programs, and funding allocation to the Council. (B) Council review The Council shall— (i) review the projects, programs, and funding allocations submitted under subparagraph (A)(ii); (ii) develop recommendations of projects and programs that meet the criteria described in paragraph (3) and proposed funding allocations for each participating agency; and (iii) submit the projects, programs, and funding allocations recommended under clause (ii) to the Secretary. (2) Selection The Secretary shall— (A) select projects and activities under this section taking into consideration the projects and programs submitted by the Council under paragraph (1)(B)(iii); and (B) provide to each participating agency a funding allocation pursuant to a cooperative agreement under subsection (f). (3) Required elements Each dam removal project recommended to the Secretary by the Council shall— (A) include written consent of the dam owner for the dam removal project, if ownership is established; (B) meet 1 or more of the project purposes of— (i) protecting human health and safety; (ii) restoring aquatic habitat and riverine processes; (iii) increasing river connectivity and species access to aquatic habitat; (iv) improving water quality; (v) enhancing commercial and recreational fishing; (vi) enhancing river-based recreation; (vii) restoring nature-based infrastructure; and (viii) improving climate resilience; (C) include satisfactory assurance from any non-Federal interests proposing projects that the non-Federal interests will have or can reasonably acquire personnel and authority to adequately manage the project; and (D) demonstrate a commitment to obtain all required regulatory approvals and permits from all pertinent jurisdictions prior to project implementation. (4) Factors for selection of projects In selecting a dam removal project, the Secretary and participating agencies shall consider the following: (A) The capability of the non-Federal interest to carry out the project in a technically feasible manner. (B) The extent to which the dam poses a significant public safety hazard. (C) The extent to which the dam provides critical beneficial uses. (D) The extent to which the project provides multiple environmental and public benefits, with priority given to a project that meets 2 or more of the project purposes described in paragraph (3)(B). (E) The extent to which the project will be carried out in a cost-effective manner. (F) Any other factors that the Secretary and participating agencies determine to be reasonable and necessary for consideration. (5) Prioritization for selection of projects In selecting a dam removal project, the Secretary and participating agencies shall prioritize— (A) removal of dams that pose a significant public safety hazard; and (B) non-powered dams the removal of which will provide significant ecological value. (d) Execution of projects and activities (1) In general A participating agency that receives assistance under this section may enter into cooperative agreements with non-Federal interests— (A) to carry out dam removal projects; (B) to provide technical assistance; or (C) to provide assistance to a non-Federal technical assistance program. (2) Nongovernmental organizations Notwithstanding section 221(b) of the Flood Control Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 1962d–5b(b)), for any dam removal project, the Secretary, in consultation and coordination with appropriate State and local governmental agencies, Indian Tribes, and any impacted stakeholders, may allow a nongovernmental organization to serve as the non-Federal interest for the project. (3) Public notice For any dam removal activity carried out with a funding allocation, the participating agency shall provide public notice in accordance with applicable regulations and requirements of the participating agency. (4) Geographic equity To the maximum extent practicable, in carrying out activities under this title, participating agencies shall allocate amounts from the funding allocation of the agency equitably among regions of the United States. (e) Eligible costs A funding allocation may be used for all dam removal and related project needs, including— (1) engineering, scientific assessment, economic analysis, construction, project management, technical assistance, acquisition, liability insurance, monitoring, regulatory compliance, updating flood hazard mapping as needed for project implementation, project administration, infrastructure protection, and sediment management; (2) all stages of project planning and design; (3) Federal, State, Tribal, and non-Federal dam removal technical assistance programs to identify projects, complete initial project stages, train project managers and others involved in dam removal projects, and provide technical assistance; (4) establishment of collaborative Federal teams to increase efficiency of evaluation and removal of federally owned dams; and (5) monitoring under subsection (h). (f) Cooperative agreement (1) In general The Secretary shall enter into a cooperative agreement with each participating agency to provide the funding allocation determined by the Secretary for the participating agency. (2) Supplement, not supplant A funding allocation provided under this title shall supplement and not supplant amounts otherwise made available to the participating agency. (g) Federal share The Federal share of the cost of a dam removal project carried out under this title shall be 100 percent, unless a different Federal share is required by the program of the participating agency under which the project is being carried out. (h) Monitoring (1) Costs The costs of monitoring a dam removal project— (A) shall be an eligible use of a funding allocation; and (B) may be included in the total cost of the dam removal project. (2) Goals The goals of monitoring referred to paragraph (1) shall be— (A) to measure the safety and effectiveness of the project; and (B) to allow adaptive management to ensure project success. 204. Establishment of Dam Removal Council (a) Council There is established a council to be known as the Dam Removal Council (b) Duties The Council shall be responsible for— (1) coordinating participating agencies to annually (or as otherwise determined by the Council)— (A) notify all known dam owners of the availability of dam removal funding, application procedures, and options for technical assistance; and (B) provide guidance on the existing programs of participating agencies; (2) evaluating the proposed dam removal projects, technical assistance programs, and funding allocations submitted by participating agencies under section 203(c)(1)(A)(ii); (3) submitting to the Secretary recommended dam removal projects, technical assistance programs, and funding allocations for participating agencies as described in section 203(c)(1)(B)(ii); (4) serving as a forum— (A) to identify and address limiting factors to removing dams; and (B) to address programmatic challenges; (5) providing advice on the development of the database and report required under section 207; and (6) collaborating with the agencies represented on the Council to maximize the benefits of this title. (c) Membership (1) Members Subject to paragraph (2), the Council shall consist of the following members: (A) The Secretary. (B) The Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (C) The Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. (D) The Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. (E) The Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. (F) The Chief of the Forest Service. (G) The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (H) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (I) The Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. (J) The Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (K) The Director of the Water Power Technologies Office of the Department of Energy. (2) Authority to change membership The Council may modify the membership of the Council to more effectively meet the purposes of this title. (3) Collaboration The Council may collaborate with other Federal agencies regarding the duties of the Council and recommend to the Secretary to enter into agreements with those agencies to more effectively meet the purposes of this title, such as an agreement relating to the provision of data or research necessary to carry out dam removal projects. (4) Compensation A member of the Council shall serve without compensation. (5) Chair (A) In general The initial Chair of the Council shall be the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. (B) Subsequent chairs Every 2 years, after completion of a report under section 207, the Council shall select a new Chair of the Council. (C) Duties The Chair shall coordinate with agencies represented on the Council— (i) to develop effective and efficient processes to identify, prioritize, and implement dam removal projects; and (ii) to simplify and clarify the dam removal process. (d) Meetings (1) First meeting The Chair shall convene the first meeting of the Council not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Additional meetings The Chair shall convene additional meetings of the Council as appropriate to ensure that this title is fully carried out, but not less often than annually. (e) Council procedures The Council shall establish procedures for voting, the conduct of meetings, and other matters as appropriate. (f) Public participation (1) In general Meetings of the Council shall be open to the public. (2) Notice The Council shall provide notice to the public of a meeting of the Council. (g) Advice The Council shall consult with the Advisory Board— (1) to assist the Council in the development of the dam removal strategy to be developed under section 206; (2) to provide input on project identification criteria; and (3) to provide input on proportional distribution of funds to participating agencies. 205. Establishment of Dam Removal Advisory Board (a) Advisory board The Chair of the Council shall establish a Dam Removal Advisory Board to provide advice and recommendations on the implementation of this title. (b) Membership The Advisory Board shall include 12 members appointed by the Chair, of whom— (1) 2 members shall be representatives of Indian Tribes; (2) 2 members shall be representatives of State government agencies that manage or provide funds for dam removal projects or regulate dam safety; (3) 3 members shall be representatives of nongovernmental organizations that manage or provide technical assistance for dam removal projects; (4) 2 members shall be representatives of nongovernmental organizations that work to improve dam safety practices; and (5) 3 members shall be representatives of organizations representing dam owners. (c) Nonapplicability of FACA The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Advisory Board. 206. Dam removal strategy (a) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Council shall develop a dam removal strategy— (1) to ensure a comprehensive approach to remove dams that— (A) pose the greatest threat to public safety; (B) provide the greatest opportunity for environmental restoration; and (C) are consistent with efforts to address climate change and adaptation; (2) to maximize benefits derived from dam removal projects; and (3) to foster the coordination of Federal and non-Federal activities related to dam removal. (b) Goal The goal of the dam removal strategy under subsection (a) shall be to improve public safety and restore healthy rivers by reconnecting at least 10,000 miles of river by 2026. (c) Elements of strategy The dam removal strategy under subsection (a) shall— (1) identify limiting factors to completing dam removal projects and strategies for overcoming those limiting factors; (2) utilize the selection factors and priorities described in section 203(c); (3) optimize the benefits of dam removal activities, including basin-scale fish passage planning; (4) maximize the incentives for the creation of new public-private partnerships to carry out dam removal projects and the use of Federal resources to encourage increased private sector involvement in dam removal projects; (5) identify opportunities for Federal agency collaboration to remove dams that are no longer needed from Federal land; (6) be consistent with dam removal, habitat restoration, and public safety plans; (7) promote dam removal projects— (A) to meet the criteria in section 203(c)(3); and (B) to address other areas of concern that the Council determines to be appropriate for consideration; and (8) provide recommendations for broad and equitable geographic distribution of projects funded under this title. (d) Public review and comment Before the Council adopts a dam removal strategy under subsection (a), the Council shall— (1) publish in the Federal Register a draft of the dam removal strategy; and (2) provide an opportunity for public review and comment. (e) No delay of dam removal projects Development of the dam removal strategy under subsection (a)— (1) shall occur concurrently with implementation of dam removal projects and technical assistance under this Act; and (2) shall not delay progress of those projects and activities. (f) Periodic revision Using data and information developed through project monitoring and management, and other relevant information, the Council may periodically review and update, as necessary, the dam removal strategy under subsection (a). 207. Reporting (a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary, after considering the advice and recommendations of the Council and Advisory Board, shall submit to Congress a report on the activities carried out under this title. (b) Contents of report A report under subsection (a) shall include— (1) data on— (A) the number of dams removed, river miles opened, public safety benefits, and aquatic ecosystem benefits achieved through projects under this title; and (B) participating agency expenditures, project costs, and descriptions of projects selected, in progress, and completed under this title; (2) a review of project expenses, identifying areas of opportunity for reducing future project expenses; (3) a review of how the information described in paragraphs (1) and (2) will be incorporated into the selection and implementation of new dam removal projects; (4) a review of efforts made to maintain an appropriate database of dam removal projects carried out under this title; and (5) a review of the measures taken to provide the information described in paragraphs (1) through (3) to Federal agencies with responsibility for assisting in the dam removals. 208. Funding (a) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $7,500,000,000, to remain available until expended. (b) Technical assistance funding allocations Of the amounts made available under subsection (a)— (1) not less than $50,000,000 shall be allocated for the costs of administration, environmental compliance, and technical assistance to carry out this title; and (2) not less than $30,000,000 shall be allocated to non-Federal dam removal technical assistance programs. (c) Set-Aside for administrative expenses of the Council Of the amounts made available under subsection (a) for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall use for administration and operating costs of the Council and for development of the report under section 207, including the collection and maintenance of dam removal project data, the lesser of— (1) 3 percent; and (2) $1,500,000. 209. General provisions (a) Agency consultation and coordination In carrying out this title, the Secretary shall, as necessary, consult with, cooperate with, and coordinate activities with the activities of other Federal agencies. (b) Cooperative agreements; memoranda of understanding In carrying out this title, the Secretary and other Federal agencies, as appropriate, may— (1) enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with Federal, State, and local government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and other entities; and (2) execute such memoranda of understanding as are necessary to reflect the agreements. (c) Federal agency facilities and personnel Federal agencies may— (1) cooperate in carrying out scientific and other programs necessary to carry out this title; and (2) provide facilities and personnel for the purpose of assisting the Council in carrying out the duties of the Council under this title. III Reimagined Federal Dams 301. National dam assessment (a) In general The National dam assessment will assimilate data to provide for stakeholders to determine whether a dam may be an appropriate candidate to remove, upgrade, enhance environmental performance, or retrofit for hydropower production. The assessment is intended for data gathering and analysis tools and will not make recommendations on individual dams. (b) Dam assessments and data gathering (1) In general The United States Geological Survey and the Department of Energy (Lead agencies) shall jointly conduct an assessment of the nation’s dam infrastructure, including government and privately owned powered and non-powered dams. In conducting its assessment, the Lead agencies shall consult with other Federal and State government agencies, including the Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, State dam safety officials, and other stakeholders. (2) Purpose The purpose of the assessment is to integrate existing data to help stakeholders identify— (A) dams that continue to serve vital roles and may be priorities for upgrades, environmental performance enhancements, or retrofits to add or replace generation at powered and non-powered facilities; and (B) dams that may have been abandoned, have reached the end of their useful life, or otherwise may be candidates for removal and river restoration. (3) Content (A) The Lead agencies shall, in consultation with the other Federal and State agencies, the Dam Removal Council established under section 304, as well as other stakeholders, develop a set of data and other factors relevant to dam upgrades, retrofit and removal, including but not limited to age, height, water flow, hazard classifications, condition assessment, environmental improvement opportunities, climate change risks, known functions and other factors determined by the Lead agencies to meet the goals of the assessment. (B) At the time of submission of the report to Congress, the Lead agencies shall make the assessment publicly available in a written and an electronically searchable format. (C) The Lead agencies shall, to the extent possible, compile pre-existing information from Federal and State government sources and avoid duplicating existing assessments of any particular dam, facility, or project. 302. Federal dam assessments (a) In general Federal agencies that own dams shall assess their dams to identify which should be removed, upgraded, enhanced for environmental performance, or retrofitted for hydropower production. (b) Criteria The lead agencies under section 301(b) will work with dam-owning Federal agencies and the Dam Removal Council to develop criteria for agencies to use to complete the assessments. (c) Assessment Using the criteria from subsection (b), Federal agencies that own dams shall assess their dams to identify those appropriate for the outcomes in subsection (a) or other outcomes determined by the lead agencies. (d) Outcomes Those outcomes identified by the assessment should not be compelled, but should inform future action by the agencies. 303. Report The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the findings and conclusions of the assessments under this section by not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. The assessment and report to Congress shall be updated every 3 years thereafter. 304. Investing in Federal dam infrastructure (a) Corps of Engineers (1) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to the Corps of Engineers $1,600,000,000 for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 for the following dam-related activities: (A) Safety improvements, including concrete repair, tunnel work, and gate repair and replacement. (B) Environmental improvements, including fish passage, environmental flows, water quality, temperature, and dissolved oxygen upgrades. (C) Hydropower unit maintenance and upgrades. (D) Transmission, distribution, and substation upgrades. (E) Control room upgrades. (F) Efficiency, flexibility, and capacity improvements. (G) Deployment of innovative technologies, none of the funds authorized under this section shall have to be recouped by the Corps of Engineers. (H) Evaluation to address disposition to appropriately direct expenditures. (I) Backlogged maintenance and operation activities. (2) No recoupment Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Corps of Engineers shall not be required to recoup any amounts authorized under this subsection. (b) Bureau of Reclamation (1) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to the Bureau of Reclamation $400,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 for the following dam-related activities: (A) Safety improvements, including concrete repair, tunnel work, and gate repair and replacement. (B) Environmental improvements, including fish passage, environmental flows, water quality, temperature, and dissolved oxygen upgrades. (C) Hydropower unit maintenance and upgrades. (D) Transmission, distribution, and substation upgrades. (E) Control room upgrades. (F) Backlogged operations and maintenance activities. (G) Upgrades, efficiency, flexibility, and capacity improvements. (H) Deployment of innovative technologies. (I) Evaluation to address disposition to appropriately direct expenditures. (2) No recoupment Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Bureau of Reclamation shall not be required to recoup any amounts authorized under this subsection. (c) United States Forest Service There is authorized to be appropriated to the United States Forest Service $70,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 for the following dam-related activities: (1) Safety improvements. (2) Environmental improvements. (3) Backlogged operations and maintenance activities. (4) Upgrades, efficiency, flexibility, and capacity improvements. (5) Deployment of innovative technologies. (6) Evaluation to address disposition to appropriately direct expenditures. (d) Bureau of Indian Affairs (1) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to the Bureau of Indian Affairs $130,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 for the following dam-related activities: (A) Safety and environmental improvements. (B) Backlogged operations and maintenance activities. (C) Upgrades, efficiency, flexibility, and capacity improvements. (D) Deployment of innovative technologies. (E) Evaluation to address disposition to appropriately direct expenditures. (2) No recoupment Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Bureau of Indian Affairs shall not be required to recoup any amounts authorized under this subsection. (e) Department of Energy There is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 for the following activities: (1) An assessment of the dam infrastructure of the United States under section 301(b). (2) Research, development, and deployment to support— (A) innovative waterpower technologies; (B) technologies to improve retrofitting and rehabilitating hydropower dams; and (C) furthering the contribution of hydropower to grid resilience.

Summary: Twenty-First Century Dams Act This bill addresses dam infrastructure and safety. First, the bill provides resources for programs related to state dam safety, the rehabilitation of high hazard potential dams, and the inspection of dams. In particular, the bill reauthorizes through FY2026 the National Dam Safety Program. In addition, the bill reauthorizes through FY2026 a program related to the rehabilitation of structural measures and a program related to water infrastructure. The bill directs the Department of the Army to establish a program to carry out dam removal projects. Further, the bill establishes the Dam Removal Council to (1) coordinate with participating federal agencies to annually notify all known dam owners of the availability of dam removal funding and provide guidance on the existing programs of participating agencies; (2) evaluate and submit to Army recommendations for dam removal projects, technical assistance programs, and funding allocations; and (3) develop a dam removal strategy. The bill requires certain dam assessments, including a joint assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Department of Energy. The bill also authorizes specified federal agencies to undertake certain activities related to federal dam infrastructure.