Principal Economist Gannett Fleming State College, Pennsylvania
At the "Dam Economics: Considerations for Rehabilitation vs. Removal" topic table, we will explore the economic factors that influence decisions about whether to rehabilitate and maintain existing dams or to decommission them. We can discuss costs associated with rehabilitating aging infrastructure—such as engineering upgrades, safety improvements, and ongoing maintenance—against the expenses of dam removal, including decommissioning design and construction, environmental restoration, and potential impacts on the local economy. We can also consider the long-term benefits and trade-offs related to environmental sustainability, community safety, and economic impacts on local industries and property values.
