The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources received a $124,186 Project Grant award from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the National Dam Safety Program (CFDA 97.041) on September 19, 2025, with a completion date of September 18, 2027. This grant supports the establishment and maintenance of Minnesota's state dam safety program, which focuses on ensuring dam safety, protecting human life and property, and enhancing the state's dam safety capacity. The funding will be utilized at the DNR's St. Paul, Minnesota location to advance statewide dam safety initiatives across all DNR divisions and locations.
As a state assistance grant under the National Dam Safety Program, this award enables Minnesota to strengthen its regulatory framework, technical expertise, and infrastructure for managing dam safety compliance within the state. The DNR, which historically serves as both a direct service provider and grant administrator, will leverage these federal funds to implement activities that improve dam safety oversight and reduce unacceptable risk to communities and property throughout Minnesota.