fixing dams is not a priority

We do have a dam problem in the United States. The majority of dams are privately owned and many were constructed by farmers who damed up a stream to have an impoundment area, wala, a dam/lake is formed.

This story about Michigan dam safety is typical for what you will find across the nation, Michigan dam fixes were urged by experts. Lawmakers did 'almost nothing'

Having a dam disaster or “almost disaster” will motivate elected officials to study the issue. But then, when recommendations follow and those cost money…there typically is not the follow-up action and appropriation of funding to fix known issues.

It is what makes America Great!

A great place to start would be to have an inventory of all the dams in a state. Then, provided there is funding, a risk analysis for each of those dams. Then, at least you will have a sense of the scope of the problem and those dams that are at risk of harming people if they should fail.