Political Quotes

“I rise today to introduce legislation to reauthorize the National Dam Safety Program managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA. I thank Senators Boozman, Whitehouse, and Crapo for joining me in sponsoring this bill that will help promote public safety and prevent the destruction caused by dam failures. This fiscally responsible legislation will help states do more to protect communities and avoid costly dam incidents without increasing funding above the most recent authorization level. With more than 84,000 dams listed in the National Inventory of Dams, dams are a critical and ubiquitous part of our nation's infrastructure. In Hawaii, 142 State-regulated dams are located across our islands from Kekaha on Kauai to Paauilo on Hawaii Island. These dams are owned by non-profit organizations, private companies, individuals, and Federal, State, and local governments. While they go largely unseen, dams benefit our lives every day. They provide drinking water, hydroelectric power, irrigation water, flood control, and recreational opportunities. However, dams also pose a significant risk to public safety, local economies, and the environment. Our nation's dams received a grade of ``D'' from the American Society of Civil Engineers 2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, which cited more than 4,000 deficient dams, including more than 1,800 that would result in loss of life if they failed.…”