CHAPTER 40 —INDIAN DAMS SAFETY
§3801. Findings
The Congress finds that—
(1) the Secretary of the Interior has identified 53 dams on Indian lands that present a threat to human life in the event of a failure;
(2) because of inadequate attention in the past to problems stemming from structural deficiencies and regular maintenance requirements for dams operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, unsafe Bureau dams continue to pose an imminent threat to people and property;
(3) many Bureau dams have maintenance deficiencies regardless of their current safety condition classification and the deficiencies must be corrected to avoid future threats to human life and property;
(4) safe working dams on Indian lands are necessary to supply irrigation water, to provide flood control, to provide water for municipal, industrial, domestic, livestock, and recreation uses, and for fish and wildlife habitats; and
(5) it is necessary to institute a regular dam maintenance and repair program, utilizing the expertise in the Bureau, Indian tribes, and other Federal agencies.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
§3802. Definitions
As used in this chapter:
(1) The term "Bureau" means the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
(2) The term "dam" has the same meaning given such term by
(3) The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior.
(4) The term "Indian tribe" means any Indian tribe, band, nation, pueblo, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, referred to in par. (4), is
Amendments
1996—Par. (2).
§3803. Dam Safety Maintenance and Repair Program
(a) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a dam safety maintenance and repair program within the Bureau to ensure maintenance and monitoring of the condition of each dam identified pursuant to subsection (e) necessary to maintain the dam in a satisfactory condition on a long-term basis.
(b) Transfer of existing functions and personnel
All functions performed before August 23, 1994, pursuant to the Dam Safety Program established by the Secretary of the Interior by order dated February 28, 1980, and all Bureau of Indian Affairs personnel assigned to such program as of August 23, 1994, are hereby transferred to the Dam Safety Maintenance and Repair Program. Any reference in any law, regulation, executive order, reorganization plan, or delegation of authority to the Dam Safety Program is deemed to be a reference to the Dam Safety Maintenance and Repair Program.
(c) Rehabilitation
Under the Dam Safety Maintenance and Repair Program, the Secretary shall perform such rehabilitation work as is necessary to bring the dams identified pursuant to subsection (e) to a satisfactory condition. In addition, each dam located on Indian lands shall be regularly maintained pursuant to the Dam Safety Maintenance and Repair Program established pursuant to subsection (a).
(d) Maintenance action plan
The Secretary shall develop a maintenance action plan, which shall include a prioritization of actions to be taken, for those dams with a risk hazard rating of high or significant as identified pursuant to subsection (e).
(e) Identification of dams
(1) Development of list
The Secretary shall develop a comprehensive list of dams located on Indian lands that describes the dam safety condition classification of each dam, as specified in paragraph (2), the risk hazard classification of each dam, as specified in paragraph (3), and the conditions resulting from maintenance deficiencies.
(2) Dam safety condition classifications
The dam safety condition classification referred to in paragraph (1) is one of the following classifications:
(A) Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Safe performance is expected under all anticipated conditions.
(B) Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal loading conditions. Infrequent hydrologic or seismic events would probably result in a dam safety deficiency.
(C) Conditionally poor
A potential dam safety deficiency is recognized for unusual loading conditions that may realistically occur during the expected life of the structure.
(D) Poor
A potential dam safety deficiency is clearly recognized for normal loading conditions. Immediate actions to resolve the deficiency are recommended; reservoir restrictions may be necessary until resolution of the problem.
(E) Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency exists for normal loading conditions. Immediate remedial action is required for resolution of the problem.
(3) Risk hazard classification
The risk hazard classification referred to in paragraph (1) is one of the following classifications:
(A) High
Six or more lives would be at risk or extensive property damage could occur if the dam failed.
(B) Significant
Between one and six lives would be at risk or significant property damage could occur if the dam failed.
(C) Low
No lives would be at risk and limited property damage would occur if the dam failed.
(f) Limitation on program authorization
Work authorized by this chapter shall be for the purpose of dam safety maintenance and structural repair. The Secretary may authorize, upon request of an Indian tribe, up to 20 percent of the cost of repairs to be used to provide additional conservation storage capacity or developing benefits beyond those provided by the original dams and reservoirs. This chapter is not intended to preclude development of increased storage or benefits under any other authority or to preclude measures to protect fish and wildlife.
(g) Technical assistance
To carry out the purposes of this chapter, the Secretary may obtain technical assistance on a nonreimbursable basis from other departments and agencies. Notwithstanding any such technical assistance, the Dam Safety Maintenance and Repair Program established under subsection (a) shall be under the direction and control of the Bureau.
(h) Contract authority
In addition to any other authority established by law, the Secretary is authorized to contract with Indian tribes under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (
(i) Annual report
The Secretary shall submit an annual report on the implementation of this chapter. The report shall include—
(1) the list of dams and their status on the maintenance action plan developed under this section; and
(2) the projected total cost and a schedule of the projected annual cost of rehabilitation or repair for each dam under this section.
The report shall be submitted at the time the budget is required to be submitted under
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (
Amendments
1996—Subsec. (h).
Change of Name
Subcommittee on Native American Affairs changed to Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States.
1 See References in Text note below.
§3804. Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this chapter. Funds provided under this chapter are to be considered nonreimbursable.
(
§3805. Indian dam safety
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Dam
(A) In general
The term "dam" has the meaning given the term in
(B) Inclusions
The term "dam" includes any structure, facility, equipment, or vehicle used in connection with the operation of a dam.
(2) Fund
The term "Fund" means, as applicable—
(A) the High-Hazard Indian Dam Safety Deferred Maintenance Fund established by subsection (b)(1)(A); or
(B) the Low-Hazard Indian Dam Safety Deferred Maintenance Fund established by subsection (b)(2)(A).
(3) High hazard potential dam
The term "high hazard potential dam" means a dam assigned to the significant or high hazard potential classification under the guidelines published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency entitled "Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Hazard Potential Classification System for Dams" (FEMA Publication Number 333).
(4) Indian tribe
The term "Indian tribe" has the meaning given the term in
(5) Low hazard potential dam
The term "low hazard potential dam" means a dam assigned to the low hazard potential classification under the guidelines published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency entitled "Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety: Hazard Potential Classification System for Dams" (FEMA Publication Number 333).
(6) Secretary
The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army.
(b) Indian Dam Safety Deferred Maintenance Funds
(1) High-Hazard Fund
(A) Establishment
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund, to be known as the "High-Hazard Indian Dam Safety Deferred Maintenance Fund", consisting of—
(i) such amounts as are deposited in the Fund under subparagraph (B); and
(ii) any interest earned on investment of amounts in the Fund under subparagraph (D).
(B) Deposits to Fund
(i) In general
For each of fiscal years 2017 through 2030, the Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit in the Fund $22,750,000 from the general fund of the Treasury.
(ii) Availability of amounts
Amounts deposited in the Fund under clause (i) shall be used, subject to appropriation, to carry out this section.
(C) Expenditures from Fund
(i) In general
Subject to clause (ii), for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2030, the Secretary may, to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts, expend from the Fund, in accordance with this section, not more than the sum of—
(I) $22,750,000; and
(II) the amount of interest accrued in the Fund.
(ii) Additional expenditures
The Secretary may expend more than $22,750,000 for any fiscal year referred to in clause (i) if the additional amounts are available in the Fund as a result of a failure of the Secretary to expend all of the amounts available under clause (i) in 1 or more prior fiscal years.
(D) Investments of amounts
(i) In general
The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest such portion of the Fund as is not, in the judgment of the Secretary, required to meet current withdrawals.
(ii) Credits to Fund
The interest on, and the proceeds from the sale or redemption of, any obligations held in the Fund shall be credited to, and form a part of, the Fund.
(E) Transfers of amounts
(i) In general
The amounts required to be transferred to the Fund under this paragraph shall be transferred at least monthly.
(ii) Adjustments
Proper adjustment shall be made in amounts subsequently transferred to the extent prior estimates are in excess of or less than the amounts required to be transferred.
(F) Termination
On September 30, 2030—
(i) the Fund shall terminate; and
(ii) the unexpended and unobligated balance of the Fund shall be transferred to the general fund of the Treasury.
(2) Low-Hazard Fund
(A) Establishment
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund, to be known as the "Low-Hazard Indian Dam Safety Deferred Maintenance Fund", consisting of—
(i) such amounts as are deposited in the Fund under subparagraph (B); and
(ii) any interest earned on investment of amounts in the Fund under subparagraph (D).
(B) Deposits to Fund
(i) In general
For each of fiscal years 2017 through 2030, the Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit in the Fund $10,000,000 from the general fund of the Treasury.
(ii) Availability of amounts
Amounts deposited in the Fund under clause (i) shall be used, subject to appropriation, to carry out this section.
(C) Expenditures from Fund
(i) In general
Subject to clause (ii), for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2030, the Secretary may, to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts, expend from the Fund, in accordance with this section, not more than the sum of—
(I) $10,000,000; and
(II) the amount of interest accrued in the Fund.
(ii) Additional expenditures
The Secretary may expend more than $10,000,000 for any fiscal year referred to in clause (i) if the additional amounts are available in the Fund as a result of a failure of the Secretary to expend all of the amounts available under clause (i) in 1 or more prior fiscal years.
(D) Investments of amounts
(i) In general
The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest such portion of the Fund as is not, in the judgment of the Secretary, required to meet current withdrawals.
(ii) Credits to Fund
The interest on, and the proceeds from the sale or redemption of, any obligations held in the Fund shall be credited to, and form a part of, the Fund.
(E) Transfers of amounts
(i) In general
The amounts required to be transferred to the Fund under this paragraph shall be transferred at least monthly.
(ii) Adjustments
Proper adjustment shall be made in amounts subsequently transferred to the extent prior estimates are in excess of or less than the amounts required to be transferred.
(F) Termination
On September 30, 2030—
(i) the Fund shall terminate; and
(ii) the unexpended and unobligated balance of the Fund shall be transferred to the general fund of the Treasury.
(c) Repair, replacement, and maintenance of certain Indian dams
(1) Program establishment
(A) In general
The Secretary shall establish a program to address the deferred maintenance needs of Indian dams that—
(i) create flood risks or other risks to public or employee safety or natural or cultural resources; and
(ii) unduly impede the management and efficiency of Indian dams.
(B) Funding
(i) High-Hazard Fund
Consistent with subsection (b)(1)(B), the Secretary shall use or transfer to the Bureau of Indian Affairs not less than $22,750,000 of amounts in the High-Hazard Indian Dam Safety Deferred Maintenance Fund, plus accrued interest, for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2030 to carry out maintenance, repair, and replacement activities for 1 or more of the Indian dams described in paragraph (2)(A).
(ii) Low-Hazard Fund
Consistent with subsection (b)(2)(B), the Secretary shall use or transfer to the Bureau of Indian Affairs not less than $10,000,000 of amounts in the Low-Hazard Indian Dam Safety Deferred Maintenance Fund, plus accrued interest, for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2030 to carry out maintenance, repair, and replacement activities for 1 or more of the Indian dams described in paragraph (2)(B).
(C) Compliance with dam safety policies
Maintenance, repair, and replacement activities for Indian dams under this section shall be carried out in accordance with the dam safety policies of the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs established to carry out the Indian Dams Safety Act of 1994 (
(2) Eligible dams
(A) High hazard potential dams
The dams eligible for funding under paragraph (1)(B)(i) are Indian high hazard potential dams in the United States that—
(i) are included in the safety of dams program established pursuant to the Indian Dams Safety Act of 1994 (
(iii)(I)(aa) 1 are owned by the Federal Government, as listed in the Federal inventory required by Executive Order 13327 (
(bb) are managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (including dams managed under contracts or compacts pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (
(II) have deferred maintenance documented by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
(B) Low hazard potential dams
The dams eligible for funding under paragraph (1)(B)(ii) are Indian low hazard potential dams in the United States that, on December 16, 2016—
(i) are covered under the Indian Dams Safety Act of 1994 (
(ii)(I)(aa) are owned by the Federal Government, as listed in the Federal inventory required by Executive Order 13327 (
(bb) are managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (including dams managed under contracts or compacts pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (
(II) have deferred maintenance documented by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
(3) Requirements and conditions
Not later than 120 days after December 16, 2016, and as a precondition to amounts being expended from the Fund to carry out this subsection, the Secretary, in consultation with representatives of affected Indian tribes, shall develop and submit to Congress—
(A) programmatic goals to carry out this subsection that—
(i) would enable the completion of repairing, replacing, improving, or performing maintenance on Indian dams as expeditiously as practicable, subject to the dam safety policies of the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs established to carry out the Indian Dams Safety Act of 1994 (
(ii) facilitate or improve the ability of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to carry out the mission of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in operating an Indian dam; and
(iii) ensure that the results of government-to-government consultation required under paragraph (4) be addressed; and
(B) funding prioritization criteria to serve as a methodology for distributing funds under this subsection that take into account—
(i) the extent to which deferred maintenance of Indian dams poses a threat to—
(I) public or employee safety or health;
(II) natural or cultural resources; or
(III) the ability of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to carry out the mission of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in operating an Indian dam;
(ii) the extent to which repairing, replacing, improving, or performing maintenance on an Indian dam will—
(I) improve public or employee safety, health, or accessibility;
(II) assist in compliance with codes, standards, laws, or other requirements;
(III) address unmet needs; or
(IV) assist in protecting natural or cultural resources;
(iii) the methodology of the rehabilitation priority index of the Secretary, as in effect on December 16, 2016;
(iv) the potential economic benefits of the expenditures on job creation and general economic development in the affected tribal communities;
(v) the ability of an Indian dam to address tribal, regional, and watershed level flood prevention needs;
(vi) the need to comply with the dam safety policies of the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs established to carry out the Indian Dams Safety Act of 1994 (
(vii) the ability of the water storage capacity of an Indian dam to be increased to prevent flooding in downstream tribal and nontribal communities; and
(viii) such other factors as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to prioritize the use of available funds that are, to the fullest extent practicable, consistent with tribal and user recommendations received pursuant to the consultation and input process under paragraph (4).
(4) Tribal consultation and user input
(A) In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), before expending funds on an Indian dam pursuant to paragraph (1) and not later than 60 days after December 16, 2016, the Secretary shall—
(i) consult with the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs on the expenditure of funds;
(ii) ensure that the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs advises the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the land on which a dam eligible to receive funding under paragraph (2) is located on the expenditure of funds; and
(iii) solicit and consider the input, comments, and recommendations of the landowners served by the Indian dam.
(B) Emergencies
If the Secretary determines that an emergency circumstance exists with respect to an Indian dam, subparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to that Indian dam.
(5) Allocation among dams
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), to the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that, for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2030, each Indian dam eligible for funding under paragraph (2) that has critical maintenance needs receives part of the funding under paragraph (1) to address critical maintenance needs.
(B) Priority
In allocating amounts under paragraph (1)(B), in addition to considering the funding priorities described in paragraph (3), the Secretary shall give priority to Indian dams eligible for funding under paragraph (2) that serve—
(i) more than 1 Indian tribe within an Indian reservation; or
(ii) highly populated Indian communities, as determined by the Secretary.
(C) Cap on funding
(i) In general
Subject to clause (ii), in allocating amounts under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall allocate not more than $10,000,000 to any individual dam described in paragraph (2) during any consecutive 3-year period.
(ii) Exception
Notwithstanding the cap described in clause (i), if the full amount under paragraph (1)(B) cannot be fully allocated to eligible Indian dams because the costs of the remaining activities authorized in paragraph (1)(B) of an Indian dam would exceed the cap described in clause (i), the Secretary may allocate the remaining funds to eligible Indian dams in accordance with this subsection.
(D) Basis of funding
Any amounts made available under this paragraph shall be nonreimbursable.
(E) Applicability of ISDEAA
The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (
(d) Tribal Safety of Dams Committee
(1) Establishment of Committee
(A) Establishment
The Secretary of the Interior shall establish within the Bureau of Indian Affairs the Tribal Safety of Dams Committee (referred to in this paragraph as the "Committee").
(B) Membership
(i) Composition
The Committee shall be composed of 15 members, of whom—
(I) 11 shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior from among individuals who, to the maximum extent practicable, have knowledge and expertise in dam safety issues and flood prevention and mitigation, of whom not less than 1 shall be a member of an Indian tribe in each of the Bureau of Indian Affairs regions of—
(aa) the Northwest Region;
(bb) the Pacific Region;
(cc) the Western Region;
(dd) the Navajo Region;
(ee) the Southwest Region;
(ff) the Rocky Mountain Region;
(gg) the Great Plans 2 Region; and
(hh) the Midwest Region;
(II) 2 shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior from among employees of the Bureau of Indian Affairs who have knowledge and expertise in dam safety issues and flood prevention and mitigation;
(III) 1 shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior from among employees of the Bureau of Reclamation who have knowledge and expertise in dam safety issues and flood prevention and mitigation; and
(IV) 1 shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Army from among employees of the Corps of Engineers who have knowledge and expertise in dam safety issues and flood prevention and mitigation.
(ii) Nonvoting members
The members of the Committee appointed under subclauses (II) and (III) of clause (i) shall be nonvoting members.
(iii) Date
The appointments of the members of the Committee shall be made as soon as practicable after December 16, 2016.
(C) Period of appointment
Members shall be appointed for the life of the Committee.
(D) Vacancies
Any vacancy in the Committee shall not affect the powers of the Committee, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(E) Initial meeting
Not later than 30 days after the date on which all members of the Committee have been appointed, the Committee shall hold the first meeting.
(F) Meetings
The Committee shall meet at the call of the Chairperson.
(G) Quorum
A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
(H) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
The Committee shall select a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among the members.
(2) Duties of the committee
(A) Study
The Committee shall conduct a thorough study of all matters relating to the modernization of the Indian Dams Safety Act of 1994 (
(B) Recommendations
The Committee shall develop recommendations for legislation to improve the Indian Dams Safety Act of 1994 (
(C) Report
Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Committee holds the first meeting, the Committee shall submit a report containing a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Committee, together with recommendations for legislation that the Committee considers appropriate, to—
(i) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate; and
(ii) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.
(3) Powers of the Committee
(A) Hearings
The Committee may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Committee considers appropriate to carry out this paragraph.
(B) Information from Federal agencies
(i) In general
The Committee may secure directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the Committee considers necessary to carry out this paragraph.
(ii) Request
On request of the Chairperson of the Committee, the head of any Federal department or agency shall furnish information described in clause (i) to the Committee.
(C) Postal services
The Committee may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
(D) Gifts
The Committee may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property.
(4) Committee personnel matters
(A) Compensation of members
(i) Non-Federal members
Each member of the Committee who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under
(ii) Federal members
Each member of the Committee who is an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for services as an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
(B) Travel expenses
The members of the Committee shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of
(C) Staff
(i) In general
(I) Appointment
The Chairperson of the Committee may, without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint and terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Committee to perform the duties of the Committee.
(II) Confirmation
The employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the Committee.
(ii) Compensation
The Chairperson of the Committee may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to
(D) Detail of Government employees
Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Committee without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.
(E) Procurement of temporary and intermittent services
The Chairperson of the Committee may procure temporary and intermittent services under
(5) Termination of the Committee
The Committee shall terminate 90 days after the date on which the Committee submits the report under paragraph (2)(C).
(6) Funding
Of the amounts authorized to be expended from either Fund, $1,000,000 shall be made available from either Fund during fiscal year 2017 to carry out this subsection, to remain available until expended.
(e) Indian dam surveys
(1) Tribal reports
The Secretary shall request that, not less frequently than once every 180 days, each Indian tribe submit to the Secretary a report providing an inventory of the dams located on the land of the Indian tribe.
(2) BIA reports
Not less frequently than once each year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing the condition of each dam under the partial or total jurisdiction of the Secretary.
(f) Flood plain management pilot program
(1) Establishment
The Secretary shall establish, within the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a flood plain management pilot program (referred to in this subsection as the "program") to provide, at the request of an Indian tribe, guidance to the Indian tribe relating to best practices for the mitigation and prevention of floods, including consultation with the Indian tribe on—
(A) flood plain mapping; or
(B) new construction planning.
(2) Termination
The program shall terminate on the date that is 11 years after December 16, 2016.
(3) Funding
Of the amounts authorized to be expended from either Fund, $250,000 shall be made available from either Fund during each of fiscal years 2017 through 2026 to carry out this subsection, to remain available until expended.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Indian Dams Safety Act of 1994, referred to in subsecs. (c)(1)(C), (2)(A)(i), (B)(i), (3)(A)(i), (B)(vi) and (d)(2)(A), (B), is
The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A)(iii)(I)(bb), (B)(ii)(I)(bb), (5)(E), is
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, and not as part of the Indian Dams Safety Act of 1994 which comprises this chapter.
Amendments
2018—
Subsec. (b)(1)(F).
Subsec. (b)(2)(F).
Subsec. (f)(2).
Subsec. (f)(3).