In a recent meeting of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation, a critical discussion emerged regarding the safety of California's dams. Casey Shemki, deputy director for legislative affairs with the Department of Water Resources, revealed that out of approximately 1,300 regulated dams in the state, around 260 are classified as "extremely high hazard." This designation highlights the potential risk to homes, roads, and cities downstream in the event of a dam failure, although it does not necessarily indicate a higher likelihood of such failures.

Shemki's insights prompted questions about the implications of these hazards, particularly regarding the state’s budget for dam safety. Assemblymember inquiries led to a significant point: the 260 high-hazard dams represent about 20% of the total, a figure that underscores the importance of addressing dam safety proactively.

In response to concerns about funding for dam safety, Megan Larson from the Department of Finance confirmed that the governor's budget includes a proposed backfill of $47 million aimed at enhancing budget resiliency for dam safety initiatives. This funding is crucial as California continues to face challenges related to climate change and infrastructure resilience.

The discussions at this meeting highlight the urgent need for investment in dam safety measures, reflecting the state's commitment to protecting communities from potential disasters. As California navigates its climate crisis, the focus on infrastructure safety remains a top priority, with anticipated outcomes aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the state.