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

Sec. 119. Prohibition on diversion of water from Missouri River Since introduced

(a) Approval by governors for diversion of water. No water may be diverted or exported from any portion of the Missouri River, or from any tributary of the Missouri River, for use outside of a Missouri River State unless such diversion or export is approved by the Governor of each of the Missouri River States.

(b) Approval of governors for diversion studies. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may not undertake any study, or expend any Federal funds to contract for any study, of the feasibility of diverting or exporting water from any portion of the Missouri River, or from any tributary of the Missouri River, for use outside the Missouri River States, unless such study or expenditure is approved by the Governor of each of the Missouri River States.

(c) Previously authorized diversions. The prohibition on diverting or exporting water under subsection (a) shall not apply to any diversion or export of water from the Missouri River that is authorized with respect to express or implied Federal reserved water rights on or before January 1, 2025.

(d) Definitions. In this section:

(1) Missouri River. The term Missouri River means the portions of the Missouri River within the United States.

(2) Missouri River State. The term Missouri River State means the States of Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Wyoming.

II Studies and Reports

III Deauthorizations and Modifications

IV Water Resources Infrastructure

V Dam Safety