Gov. Glenn Youngkin declares May 31 Dam Safety Awareness Day in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed a proclamation recognizing May 31 as Dam Safety Awareness Day in Virginia.

According to a release from Virginia's Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), there are more than 2,500 dams throughout the Commonwealth -- 527 of which are considered high and likely high-hazard dams.

"These dams pose the greatest threat to life and property if they were to fail, but most high hazard dams are well maintained," a release from DCR on Thursday reads. "Many play a critical role in flood control, water supply, fisheries and recreation."

Several factors can impact the safety of dams, including heavy rains, improper maintenance and aging infrastructure. The average age of dams in Virginia is 76 years, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ National Inventory of Dams.

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“Dam Safety Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the critical importance of dam safety and the collective responsibility of individuals and communities to ensure the integrity of dams,” said DCR Director Matthew Wells.

The chosen date memorializes the historic failure of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in 1889.

To learn more about dams and dam safety in Virginia, visit the DCR website.