H.R. 9497
Water Resources Development Act of 2026
Sponsor: Sam Graves
3 cosponsors
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
I General Provisions
(a) In general. At the request of the non-Federal interest for a water resources development project, the Secretary shall develop a wildfire contingency strategy for identifying both wildfire risks and possible wildfire mitigation with respect to such project.
(b) Contents. In developing a strategy under subsection (a), the Secretary shall include a—
(1) wildfire risk assessment; and
(2) wildfire mitigation plan.
(c) Wildfire risk assessment. In the wildfire risk assessment described in subsection (b)(1) for a project, the Secretary shall identify—
(1) risks to such project from wildfires—
(A) that may affect the operation of and ability to carry out the authorized purposes of the project, including navigation, flood control, irrigation, hydropower, water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife conservation; and
(B) that may affect life and private property in the vicinity of the project; and
(2) risks of sediment, debris, and associated runoff into the project that may occur after a wildfire.
(d) Wildfire mitigation plan. In the wildfire mitigation plan described in subsection (b)(2) for a project, the Secretary shall develop—
(1) a strategy that identifies actions the Secretary or non-Federal interest may take to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts to the project from a wildfire, including—
(A) hazardous fuels management;
(B) fuel or fire breaks;
(C) treatments for invasive species and vegetation;
(D) aquatic ecosystem restoration activities to increase wildfire resistance; and
(E) operational changes, including updates to water control manuals or associated water control plans;
(2) a summary of resources and capabilities to implement such plan;
(3) a timeline to implement such plan; and
(4) any other information determined necessary by the Secretary.
(e) Consultation. In developing strategies under subsection (a), the Secretary shall, as applicable, consult with other Federal agencies, States, Tribal governments, local governments, and relevant stakeholders.
(f) Prioritization. In responding to requests for wildfire contingency strategies from non-Federal interests pursuant to this section, the Secretary shall prioritize developing strategies for projects located in areas where there is considerable risk of wildfire or that has been subject to recent wildfires.
(g) Report to Congress. Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on the status of implementation of this section.
II Studies and Reports
III Deauthorizations and Modifications
IV Water Resources Infrastructure
V Dam Safety