American Rivers Welcomes New Bipartisan Dam Safety Law in PA 

Contact: Alice Broderick, Associate Communications Director, Abroderick@americanrivers.org 

Harrisburg, PA—American Rivers is today, applauding the Pennsylvania legislature and Governor Josh Shapiro (D-PA) for enacting common-sense dam safety legislation that will strength protect communities across the state. 

Sponsored by State Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-PA) House Bill 961 will help protect swimmers, paddlers, and anglers by requiring a publicly accessible inventory and map of low-head dams, shortening deadlines for replacing missing or damaged warning signs and buoys, and strengthening enforcement when dam owners fail to meet safety requirements. 

“Low-head dams are a death-trap hidden on too many of Pennsylvania’s waterways,” said Adam Schellhammer, Mid-Atlantic regional director for American Rivers. “This law is a big win for community safety, river recreation and its bipartisan, unanimous passage proves that caring for our rivers unites us.” 

Across the nation, low-head dams have killed nearly 800 people, with Pennsylvania being the lead state for fatalities. It is also home to Dock Street dam—the deadliest dam in America– which blocks the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg.  

Low-head dams are called “drowning machines” because they span the width of a river, are hard to see, and because of the recirculating washing machine-like current at the base of the dam that traps people.  

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About American Rivers
American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers®. AmericanRivers.org