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. 134. Update of Corps policy Since introduced

(a) In general. Except as otherwise specifically provided by this Act, not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall—

(1) issue any new policy or guidance document necessary to implement this Act; and

(2) revise or update any policy or guidance document of the Corps of Engineers in effect on the date of enactment of this Act to be in compliance with this Act, including the amendments made by this Act.

(b) Revocation of prior policy and guidance. Effective on the date that is 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, any policy or guidance document of the Corps of Engineers that is not in compliance with this Act, including the amendments made by this Act, is revoked.

II Studies and Reports

III Deauthorizations and Modifications

IV Water Resources Infrastructure

V Dam Safety