The U.S. of Breaking and Broken Dams

New analysis of high-hazard dams reveals the ubiquity, and risks, of the infrastructure challenges facing the United States.

1 minute read

November 12, 2019, 8:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Niobrara River

What's Left of the Spencer Dam on the Niobrara River in Nebraska. | Shutterstock

David A Lieb, Michael Casey, and Michelle Minkoff share news of new analysis by the Associated Press about the state of repair of dams in the United States.

According to the analysis, 1,688 dams at high risk of breaking can be found in 44 states in the nation, as well as Puerto Rico. Many of these dams are located in positions that risks lives in downstream populations if they should fail. The article includes harrowing footage of dams breaking and an interactive map of neglected dams to drive home the point that the risk presented by out-of-repair dams is far from hypothetical.

Sunday, November 10, 2019 in AP News

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility

Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.

April 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Wood-frame two-story rowhouses under construction.

Fair Housing Cannot Take a Back Seat to ‘Build, Baby, Build’

If we overlook fair housing principles in the plan to build US housing back better, we risk ending up right back where we started.

April 11, 2024 - James Jennings

"No 710" lawn sign on green lawn.

LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan

The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.

April 22 - Streetsblog LA

Close-up of row of electric cars plugged into chargers at outdoor station.

Austin’s Proposed EV Charging Rules Regulate Station Locations, Size

City planners say the new rules would ensure an efficient distribution of charging infrastructure across the city and prevent an overconcentration in residential areas.

April 22 - Austin Monitor

Green hills with orange California poppies in bloom in foreground in Chino Hills State Park, California.

Making California State Parks More Climate-Resilient

A recently released report offers recommendations for keeping state parks healthy and robust, including acquiring additional land for conservation and recreation.

April 22 - Spectrum News 1

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.