Critics warn cuts at agencies overseeing US dams could put public safety at risk

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: ABC News/AP

March 15, 2025, 12:13 AM


COULEE DAM, Wash. -- Trump administration workforce cuts at federal agencies overseeing U.S. dams are threatening their ability to provide reliable electricity, supply farmers with water and protect communities from floods, employees and industry experts warn. The Bureau of Reclamation provides water and hydropower to the public in 17 western states. Nearly 400 agency workers have been cut through the Trump reduction plan, an administration official said.

“Reductions-in-force” memos have also been sent to current workers, and more layoffs are expected. The cuts included workers at the Grand Coulee Dam, the largest hydropower generator in North America, according to two fired staffers interviewed by The Associated Press. “Without these dam operators, engineers, hydrologists, geologists, researchers, emergency managers and other experts, there is a serious potential for heightened risk to public safety and economic or environmental damage,” Lori Spragens, executive director of the Kentucky-based Association of Dam Safety Officials, told the AP.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said federal workforce reductions will ensure disaster responses are not bogged down by bureaucracy and bloat. ”A more efficient workforce means more timely access to resources for all Americans," she said by email. But a bureau hydrologist said they need people on the job to ensure the dams are working properly.

“These are complex systems,” said the worker in the Midwest, who is still employed but spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of possible retaliation. Workers keep dams safe by monitoring data, identifying weaknesses and doing site exams to check for cracks and seepage. “As we scramble to get these screenings, as we lose institutional knowledge from people leaving or early retirement, we limit our ability to ensure public safety,” the worker added. “Having people available to respond to operational emergencies is critical. Cuts in staff threaten our ability to do this effectively.”

Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/critics-warn-staff-cuts-federal-agencies-overseeing-us-119824450

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It's interesting that in the past week, after a month of their uniformed parroting of misinformation from the 45 administration without any fact-checking or even taking any time to research, the lazy media have discovered a "new (actually old standard) term" - "reduction in force" (RIF).

[NotHardly]

1. No one is coming to save us, except ourselves.

[turbinetree]

2. I agree..................they have discovered the term RIF............they really are lazy......

and they are now wondering if they are now on the enemies list at the DoJ.......maybe they should look at what ABC did..............that is lazy............

[Martin68]

3. I worked with dam safety as part of my job. It is a serious life and death issue and localities can't afford to pay

for it or monitor it on their own.

[NotHardly]

4. Some of you will die, but that's a risk I'm willing to make.

[mackdaddy]

5. A cyberattack on these dams could kill thousands, and an attempt has already been made.

The Bowman Avenue Dam in NY suffered a cyberattack probably from the Iran. It is a relatively small dam and opening it did not cause much problems. But it looks like it was mistaken for the large Bowman dam in Oregon. That is much larger dam and could have caused massive damage and loss of life.

So DOGE is getting rid of overall cyber security teams, as well as the management of these dams. Great.

https://www.controleng.com/throwback-attack-how-the-modest-bowman-avenue-dam-became-the-target-of-iranian-hackers/

[BumRushDaShow]

6. At this point, the bigger danger may be Muskrat's DOGE kids

Musk’s DOGE ‘whiz kids’ flew to California to try and release water themselves during LA fires


DOGE staffers Bryton Shang (left) and Tyler Hassen flew to California to turn on a major water pump system themselves in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires, according to a new report (Department of Government Efficiency)

Link to tweet

Department of Government Efficiency
@DOGE
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Congratulations to the Administration and DOI’s Bureau of Reclamation for more than doubling the Federally pumped water flowing toward Southern California in < 72 hours. Was an honor for the DOGE team to work with you. Great job! @Interior @usbr
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9:19 AM · Jan 28, 2025