New York State Governor Paterson's New Executive Order May Put Communities at Risk of Dam Failure

Statement of Stephanie Lindloff of American Rivers

April 29, 2009

Albany-- An Executive Order (EO-17), recently signed by New York’s Governor David Paterson, to relieve property taxes could result in increased dam failures in communities statewide.  Per the order, the critical responsibilities of governmental dam owners may be “unfunded mandates” of questionable community investment. 

Stephanie Lindloff, River Restoration Program Director for American Rivers, made the following statement:

“We must not jeopardize public safety under the auspices of property tax relief.  Just as any car owner must pay for an annual inspection, local government dam owners must pay for regular dam inspections and must bear responsibility for maintaining dams in safe condition.  For too long, dams have been out of sight, out of mind - until a dam fails, causing property damage and even loss of life.” 

“We urge the Governor to work quickly with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to protect New York’s citizens by finalizing vital dam safety rules that have been in the works for over three years. Too many dams, properties, and lives are at stake.  Municipalities and local governments own 20 percent of New York’s dams, and 34 percent of all the state’s high or significant hazard dams - dams that would cause loss of life, or considerable damage to property and infrastructure if they were to fail.”

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American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores America's rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide.