Mississippi officials urge regular upkeep at high-hazard dams

LAKE SERENE — As hurricane season enters its busiest stretch, state officials say routine inspections and maintenance by private dam owners are critical to reducing the risk of failures at Mississippi’s high-hazard dams. A high-hazard designation reflects the potential consequences of a dam failure — not the likelihood that one will occur. Mississippi has more than 6,800 dams, including 351 classified as high hazard.  According to the Mississippi Depar