H.R. 9497

Water Resources Development Act of 2026

Sponsor: Sam Graves

3 cosponsors
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Official summary

Written by the Congressional Research Service.

Water Resources Development Act of 2026

This bill authorizes and modifies certain water resource infrastructure projects and programs of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and makes related requirements. For example, the bill authorizes and modifies various water resources feasibility studies and projects of the Corps of Engineers, such as studies or projects to

  • maintain ports and harbors,
  • make certain waterways more navigable,
  • reduce flood and storm damage,
  • restore aquatic ecosystems and protect fish and wildlife,
  • protect shorelines,
  • address harmful algal blooms,
  • rehabilitate dams,
  • manage recreational sites and facilities,
  • support water supply and storage projects, and
  • support other water resources infrastructure.

The bill also directs the Corps of Engineers to establish an Office on Alternative Delivery Methods in order to accelerate project delivery of infrastructure. 

In addition, the bill directs the Corps of Engineers to issue a rule that establishes categorical permissions for certain harbor or river improvements that will cause only minimal adverse environmental effects.

Text of the bill

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I General Provisions

II Studies and Reports

III Deauthorizations and Modifications

Sec. 322. Pilottown anchorage area, Louisiana Since introduced

Pursuant to section 106 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (33 U.S.C. 635), the Secretary is authorized to operate and maintain, at Federal expense, the Pilottown anchorage area, Mississippi River above Head of Passes, Louisiana, extending from River Mile 6.7 above Head of Passes to Mile 1.5 above Head of Passes established by the United States Coast Guard.

IV Water Resources Infrastructure

V Dam Safety