Video & Transcript Research : 'dam'
Page 9 of 37
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, February 12, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They're dumping water out of Shasta Dam and Oroville Dam in Northern California.
- Wildlife after the removal of the dams Wildlife after the removal of the dams that<00:17:04.120>
- that hydroelectric power that the dams that hydroelectric power that the dams used<00:17:32.080>
- <00:18:03.600>
and dumping water out of chassa dam and dumping water out of chassa dam and - Orville<00:18:04.159>
Dam <00:18:04.360>in <00:18:04.480>Northern Orville Dam in
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on County & Regional Government Mar 24th, 2025
S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Is it really the spillway or is it overflowing the dam or where is that? And it's a few feet.
- The, the problem arises here because this is one of the oldest, if not the oldest dam and lake in the
- And they originally operated the dam to, to work through a, uh, provide water down the canal system down
- When it went bankrupt, they created the Bear Medina Atascosa WCID number one to operate that dam and
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- maintenance of those flood structures is also being used for a lot of repair work on some of our locks and dams
- maintenance of those flood structures, we're also doing a lot of repair work on some of our locks and dams
- On some of our locks and dams, they haven't been maintained, but they haven't been fully rehabilitated
- Temple Terrace and Tampa were flooded. 84 water control structures, 63 miles of canals, eight miles of a dam
- And then we've been uncorking U.S. 41, which was acting like a dam, to try to get it to Florida Bay.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from all five water management districts for FY 2026-2027: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and how most of its spending is tied to the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Several directors noted budget reductions from the prior year largely because major projects were completed or because grant/appropriation funding is not yet fully reflected in preliminary budgets. Committee members repeatedly asked how districts project operations and maintenance costs, how projects are selected, and what share of staff and spending is devoted to core missions versus administration or regulatory work.
Northwest Florida Water Management District said its preliminary budget is $93.4 million, down about 15%, with 97% of spending tied to core responsibilities and a request for additional regulatory services funding. Suwannee River Water Management District presented a $70.4 million budget, emphasized its rural/agricultural character and spring protection work, and highlighted the Water First North Florida reclaimed-water recharge project; members also discussed its need for an additional FTE to handle consumptive use permit reviews tied to a new lower Santa Fe rule. St. Johns River Water Management District presented a $181 million budget, highlighted major water supply, water quality, flood protection, and land management projects such as Taylor Creek Reservoir, Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Crane Creek, and Lake Jessup restoration, and said about 93% of its budget supports core missions.
Southwest Florida Water Management District presented a $227.6 million budget, with major spending on alternative water supply, water control structure repairs, watershed projects, and land management; officials said 93.4% of the budget supports core missions and discussed rising construction costs for aging infrastructure. South Florida Water Management District presented the largest budget at $1.05 billion, focused on Everglades restoration, flood control, water supply, and ecosystem recovery; the director described major reservoirs and treatment projects, the EAA Reservoir, and ongoing efforts to improve water quality and restore flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay. The committee took no formal votes on the district budgets and adjourned after the presentations and questions.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Commerce and Small Business Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Commerce and Small Business
Transcript Highlights:
- SB330 will cause major operational disruptions for projects such as reinforcing the Lake Perie Dam and
- It includes $80 million to renovate Lake Pretty Dam. That's a ...renovate Lake Pretty Dam.
Bills:
SB330
Keywords:
water management, regional boards, municipal governance, ethics compliance, public utility, 1136, house, all
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Aug 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In the basin, there are those that have lakes or ponds created typically by dammed-up creeks.
- Of the elevation and the dam and the lake.
- I think the dam will probably break before that happens. But it just made me aware of, hey, I know.
- Of course, the structural integrity of the dam is important.
- The time the water reached the height of Buchanan Dam is, I believe, the 7th.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 15, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Chad Dam here full holds 4 and a half million acre-feet, so we've been discussing a raise of Chad Dam
- Chad Dam here full holds 4 and a half million acre-feet, so we've been discussing a raise of Chad Dam
- You've probably heard of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Tellico Dam.
- You've probably heard of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Tellico Dam.
- You've probably heard of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Tellico Dam.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Others, such as dam removals, were often involved in supporting the removal of dams to allow our native
- Others, such as dam removals, were often involved in supporting the removal of dams to allow our native
- Others, such as dam removals, were often involved in supporting the removal of dams to allow our native
- Others, such as dam removals, were often involved in supporting the removal of dams to allow our native
- Others, such as dam removals, were often involved in supporting the removal of dams to allow our native
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/27/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Natural Resources, Energy & Water
Transcript Highlights:
- Dead pool is when there's water in Lake Mead, but it can't move out of the dam downstream.
- There are tubes that go through the dam and through the power plants.
- That's the reason why you guys have dams here... ...elsewhere.
- That's the reason why you guys have dams here. You've got maybe six or five dams.
- So the PIC organization is one of the participants in the Bartlett Dam expansion.
Keywords:
solar radiation management, environment, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, public health, complaint process, Attorney General, groundwater management, water conservation, irrigation, water supply, brackish groundwater, water supply development, desalination, water infrastructure, financial assistance, environmental reviews, brackish water, groundwater, water resources
Summary:
The committee first received an update from Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzky on Colorado River negotiations and post-2026 operating rules. He described the legal framework governing Arizona’s allocation, argued that Arizona and the lower basin have already made substantial conservation cuts, and said the upper basin is pressing positions Arizona views as inconsistent with prior Supreme Court rulings. He emphasized the need to move water from upstream reservoirs to Lake Mead, warned of continued shortage risk, and said the state is seeking an equitable deal through ongoing federal and interstate negotiations. Members asked about outside water use, tourism and recreation impacts, and tribal water rights, including the Navajo-Hopi-San Juan Southern Paiute settlement. Buschatzky said the state’s delegation and bipartisan support have been helpful and urged continued public and legislative backing.
The committee then heard House Bill 2758, which would expand McMullen Valley groundwater transportation authority and add related requirements and guardrails, including an amendment increasing the La Paz County transportation cap from 10% to 50% of the annual volume and adding conditions for sales or leases from historically irrigated acres. Supporters, including bill sponsor advocates, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, and the Home Builders Association, said the bill would create a lawful, regulated transfer option similar to the Harquahala model, support housing growth, and include oversight through hydrologic studies, pumping limits, and monthly reporting to ADWR. Opponents, including La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin’s statement, local residents, Sierra Club, and rural advocates, argued the bill would accelerate aquifer depletion, harm private wells and subsidence conditions, and benefit a New York hedge fund at the expense of rural communities. After debate, the committee adopted the Griffin amendment and then passed HB 2758 as amended on a 6-4 due-pass vote.
The committee next took up House Bill 2098, which would modify bonding authority and public hearing notice requirements for county water augmentation authorities and allow local repayment agreements with WIFA. Pinal County Supervisor Stephen Miller and other supporters said the bill would clean up statutory language so the Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority can finance future water augmentation and infrastructure projects, including potential Bartlett Dam-related work, and better prepare for future Colorado River uncertainty. The Home Builders Association also supported the bill, saying it included proportionality protections for private utility water charges. The bill was moved for a due-pass recommendation and the committee proceeded to a roll call vote, with the transcript ending before the final vote result was shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/28/2026)
Resources, Recreation and Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, we, this committee has learned that our dams are in serious peril, including the high-hazard dams
- We need to continue to look for more sources of revenue to repair the dams, but it does get us about
- opinion the most from having the the dam opinion the most from having the the dam uh<00:42:13.440
- <00:43:29.680>
Then <00:43:29.920>authorizes stateowned dams. - Then authorizes stateowned dams.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The Lake Todd Village District has a dam at the end of it, and so there's an ability for those people
- that live on Lake Todd to maintain the dam and tax themselves, etc.
- live on Lake Todd to maintain the dam live on Lake Todd to maintain the dam and<00:37:31.720>
- They can repair the dam, excuse me, and if there need to be a drawdown, they can do it.
- <01:39:48.280>
or <01:39:48.560>something there working on dams or something there
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 332, a bill to add protection and remediation of surface waters as a new authorized purpose for New Hampshire village districts. Prime sponsor Rep. Rosemary Rung said the bill is intended to give local voters in lake communities a voluntary tool to address cyanobacteria blooms and other water-quality problems through village districts, including the ability to raise revenue, adopt ordinances, and pursue treatments or watershed management measures. She emphasized that the proposal is meant to complement, not replace, state law and that any district action would still need to comply with existing permitting and environmental requirements.
Supporters, including Andrea Laro of New Hampshire Lakes and Elizabeth Harper of the Lake Sunapee Protective Association, said the bill would help municipalities collaborate on lake protection when state resources are limited. They argued that local districts could bring subject-matter expertise, access grants and technical assistance, and respond more quickly to problems such as septic impacts, runoff, culvert repairs, and in-lake treatments. They also suggested clarifying the bill’s wording around “protection and remediation” to better define the scope of authorized activities.
Opponents, including Steve Wolf and Chris Norwood of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, argued that village districts can already be overly broad and sometimes expand beyond their original purposes. Wolf said existing town and state agencies already handle shoreline protection and warned that village districts can impose ongoing taxes and create governance problems. Norwood urged a study bill instead, citing concerns about the scope of village districts and examples where some districts have taken on planning and zoning powers beyond their original mission. No vote or final action on HB 332 was taken in the excerpt.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Next is House Bill 778, which is an act relating to dam safety.
- The Senate relating to dam safety.
- Previously, it said for state or federal dams in Vermont that are high hazard potential dams, and again
- , we don't really complete them for the dam.
- We complete them for the municipalities downstream of the dam.
Summary:
The House returned to Senate Bill 325 on regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction and first took up Representative Charlton’s amendment to extend the interim housing exemptions in tier one areas from 2028 to 2030. Charlton argued the change would better align the exemptions with the state’s 2030 housing targets and give rural communities and smaller developers more realistic time to plan and build. Committee members opposing the amendment said the exemptions would no longer be needed once 1A and 1B areas are established, and Ways and Means reported an unfavorable straw poll. After debate, the House rejected the amendment by roll call, 66-76.
During debate, members discussed whether the extension would help or hinder housing production, with supporters emphasizing rural Vermont, achievable timelines, and the need for certainty for developers, while opponents stressed that the temporary exemptions were meant to bridge the transition to the new tier system. The House also heard questions about whether any communities had actually adopted 1A or 1B status yet, and it was noted that future land use maps were not yet complete. The chamber then moved to a second amendment from Representative Dobervich, which would extend certain interim Act 250 exemptions for designated village centers and nearby areas through January 1, 2031, including projects of 50 units or fewer or mixed-income/mixed-use projects meeting specified infrastructure criteria, with municipal bodies able to opt out.
Dobervich said the proposal would expand access to the interim exemptions for rural communities that lack permanent zoning or subdivision bylaws but otherwise meet the criteria, helping more towns build housing in already developed areas. Opponents argued the amendment could allow too much development in small towns without local review and questioned how many municipalities would actually qualify. The debate continued with members discussing the relationship between Act 181, the temporary exemptions, and the ongoing work to create future land use maps and tier designations.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- They also build knowledge by managing innovative, complicated projects like dam removals and cranberry
- In its first 15 years, DER's work has removed over 65 dams, restored over 3,000 acres of wetland, upgraded
- I'm very glad you touched on dam removal. That was going to be my exact question.
- only assisting with the technical aspects, or is it paying for the cost of the actual removal of the dams
- And do you have sort of a grasp on, say, what the average cost of a dam removal is, or what that normal
Summary:
The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities.
A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states.
The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: DFL Legislators Launch the Climate Superfund Bill - 03/04/26
Transcript Highlights:
- We can't continue rebuilding the same bridges, dams, barns, and farm irrigation systems again and again
- can't continue rebuilding the same We can't continue rebuilding the same bridges,<00:03:05.480>
dams - ,<00:03:06.040>
barns, <00:03:06.640>and <00:03:06.840>farm bridges, dams, barns - , and farm bridges, dams, barns, and farm irrigation<00:03:07.680>
systems <00:03:08.120>again - c><00:04:39.000>
state <00:04:39.960>of <00:04:40.120>our In 2024, the Rapidan Dam
Summary:
Rep. Athena Hollins and Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart introduced Minnesota’s proposed climate superfund bill, describing it as a way to make major historical greenhouse gas polluters help pay for climate adaptation and infrastructure repair. They said the bill would target large fossil fuel corporations with significant emissions and use the revenue for projects such as stormwater upgrades, bridge and roof protection, erosion control, drinking water protection, cooling cities, and other resilience work. Both lawmakers framed the proposal as a matter of accountability and fairness, arguing that Minnesotans should not keep paying for damage caused by companies that profited from fossil fuel pollution.
Several supporters testified in favor of the bill, including St. Paul City Council Vice President Nyang Kheimey, former legislator and medical student Hunter Cantrell, Unidos Minnesota volunteer Bonnie Becol, and 100% Minnesota’s Aurora Vautrin. They emphasized local climate impacts such as flooding, wildfire smoke, extreme heat, emerald ash borer damage, asthma, and infrastructure failures, and said the costs are increasingly falling on taxpayers, local governments, and vulnerable communities. Kheimey highlighted municipal needs and St. Paul’s own climate investments, while Cantrell focused on environmental racism and health harms, and Becol and Vautrin stressed species loss, community recovery costs, and the burden on residents.
In the question-and-answer portion, Hollins and Johnson Stewart explained that the bill would apply to fossil fuel corporations with at least 1 billion metric tons of carbon emissions and a nexus to Minnesota, not local utilities. They said the State Auditor’s office would determine the assessments owed by companies, while the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency would hold the fund and administer grants. They also said they were looking to models in Vermont and New York and hoped the proposal could attract bipartisan support because it is tied to affordability and shifting costs away from taxpayers and onto polluters. No vote or formal committee action was taken in the transcript, and the event ended with the sponsors opening the bill to questions.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/27/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- in the dam and the flood mitigation pot.
- Municipalities can apply for dam projects there as well.
- inspected all of the earthen dams in New York State, as Senator Ashby alluded to.
- INSPECTED ALL OF THE EARTHEN DAMS, IN NEW YORK STATE AS SENATOR ASHBY ALLUDED TO.
- AND HELPING TO ADDRESS THE DAM IN MY DISTRICT.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s Journal and moved into motions, resolutions, and budget-related business. Senator Gianaris called up Senate Print 5898A for reconsideration; the Senate voted 59 ayes to restore the bill to the third reading calendar. Several amendments were also received on third-reading bills, and the Finance Committee was called into session while the chamber proceeded with resolutions.
The Senate adopted Resolution J.2106 recognizing Second Chance Month and the mental health impacts of incarceration, with Senator Brisport speaking in support and a guest from the community recognized in the chamber. The body also adopted Resolution J.1492 designating May 27, 2026, as Taiwan Heritage Day, with remarks from Senators Sepúlveda, Stavisky, and Liu highlighting Taiwanese contributions to New York and expressing support for Taiwan amid current geopolitical tensions. The Finance Committee then reported several budget bills, including Senate Prints 9003D, 9004D, 9007C, and 9009C, which were moved to third reading.
The remainder of the session focused on the supplemental and controversial budget calendars, especially tax and spending provisions. Senators debated the “Protecting Our Wallets” energy rebate, with supporters describing it as a one-time check for eligible taxpayers and critics arguing it was too small and not tied directly to utility bills; the chamber accepted the message of necessity and laid the bills aside. Members also debated extensions and changes to tax provisions affecting corporations, alternative fuel exemptions, Broadway and theatrical production tax credits, charitable deductions for certain 501(c)(3)s, nicotine pouch taxes, a new New York City pied-à-terre tax, and a standardbred horse-racing testing fee. Several senators criticized the budget as raising costs or favoring certain industries, while supporters defended the measures as revenue-raising, affordability, or public-health policies. No final votes on the controversial budget bills are shown in the excerpt beyond procedural rulings, adoption of the resolution calendar, and acceptance of committee reports.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Apr 2nd, 2025
Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Transcript Highlights:
- The law is, if you dam a navigable waterway, it becomes a public water...
- And so, once that was declared a public highway and a dam was placed across it, the reservoir becomes
- DCNR, do recognize that there are some critical infrastructure issues that need to be protected: the dams
- And one last question: Are there any other dams or reservoirs on Big Creek, or is this the only one?
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- In our 2025 request, we request $10 million for the Dam Safety Grant Program to fund rapid dam recovery
- In our 2025 request, we request $10 million for the Dam Safety Grant Program to fund rapid dam recovery
- In our 2025 request, we request $10 million for the Dam Safety Grant Program to fund rapid dam recovery
- safety grant program to fund the dam safety grant program to fund rapid<00:09:16.760>
and <00: - rapid and Dam recovery efforts including rapid and Dam recovery efforts including stabilization<
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/19/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-04-30 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I was I found after uh we broke up that it was the dams had not been determined yet.
- the uh asked a question about which dams the two<00:13:01.320>
which <00:13:01.880>dams - And I was two which dams were specified.
- dams had not<00:13:09.280>
been <00:13:09.880>determined <00:13:10.400>yet. - H. 778, an act relating to dam safety. H. 778, an act relating to dam safety.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- include may include stabilization of the steep unsafe river bank or funds for dam removal.
- 2025<00:49:02.160>
um <00:49:02.280>the <00:49:02.480>Dan <00:49:02.920>Dam - this is new for 2025 um the Dan Dam this is new for 2025 um the Dan Dam safety<00:49:03.680>
- recovery efforts which will and Dam recovery efforts which will include<00:49:11.440>
may <00: - Steep unsafe river bank or funds for dam Steep unsafe river bank or funds for dam removal<00:49:
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Jul 9th, 2025
New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- envisioned, I think, At the time that most of these policies were done, we envisioned that we would see more dam
- If a dam project is being used primarily for water storage, it would fall into that other category.
- They may take us a little bit further than we need to; we're going... to Bradner Dam, which is not this
- Reservoir or dam? Okay, so Google is recognizing Bradner Reservoir.