Before the 109th Congress ended, lawmakers cleared a bill to extend the federal dam safety program for five years and boost its funding. The measure, which gained final congressional approval Dec. 9, continues the Federal Emergency Management Agency-run program through fiscal 2011 and authorizes $55.5 million over five years. Funds are subject to appropriations. The current law provides $36.4 million over four years.

Before the 109th Congress ended, lawmakers cleared a bill to extend the federal dam safety program for five years and boost its funding. The measure, which gained final congressional approval Dec. 9, continues the Federal Emergency Management Agency-run program through fiscal 2011 and authorizes $55.5 million over five years. Funds are subject to appropriations. The current law provides $36.4 million over four years.