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
II Studies and Reports
Where this section came from
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Jun 29, 2026 · Introduced in House Referred to House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Jun 29
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Sep 3, 2026 · Reported in House Marked up by House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Jul 14 Reported by House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Sep 3 Committee members' individual votes aren't in our records.
… 2 unchanged passages …
(2) Considerations. In carrying out
subsection
paragraph
(
a
1
), the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable—
… 2 unchanged passages …
(C) based on information collected from the carrying out and completion of research and development activities
and tests
described in
paragraph
subparagraph
(
2
B
), assess the potential uses and effectiveness of such human-made infrastructure with respect to restoring dryland ecosystems, enhancing flood risk reduction efforts, and enhancing water supply, water conservation, and drought resiliency efforts. (3) Consultation. In carrying out a research and development activity or test under
subsection
paragraph
(
a
1
), the Secretary may consult with— (A) the heads of other Federal agencies;
(B) Indian Tribes;
and (
B
C
) appropriate State government agencies in States with arid or semi-arid areas. (4)
Guidance. Not later than 1 year after the completion of the activities and testing described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall publish guidance for the utilization of natural infrastructure in dryland streams technologies in civil works projects. (5)
Summary to Congress. Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and make publicly available (including on a publicly available website), a written summary of the activities and tests carried out
, and the guidance published,
under
subsection
this
(a).
subsection.
… 6 unchanged passages …
What is a markup?
A markup is a committee meeting where members go through a bill and vote on changes before sending it to the full chamber.
(a) Assessment of natural infrastructure in dryland streams technologies and approaches
(1) In general. The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Engineer Research and Development Center, shall carry out research and development activities on, and test the effectiveness of, natural infrastructure in dryland streams technologies and approaches to using such technologies in arid, semi-arid, and drought-prone areas.
(2) Considerations. In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable—
(A) ensure that the locations where research and development activities and tests are carried out are geographically diverse;
(B) undertake research and development activities and tests that include human-made infrastructure that mimics natural infrastructure, such as rock check dams, beaver dam analogs, gabions, and weirs; and
(C) based on information collected from the carrying out and completion of research and development activities and tests described in subparagraph (B), assess the potential uses and effectiveness of such human-made infrastructure with respect to restoring dryland ecosystems, enhancing flood risk reduction efforts, and enhancing water supply, water conservation, and drought resiliency efforts.
(3) Consultation. In carrying out a research and development activity or test under paragraph (1), the Secretary may consult with—
(A) the heads of other Federal agencies;
(B) Indian Tribes; and
(C) appropriate State government agencies in States with arid or semi-arid areas.
(4) Guidance. Not later than 1 year after the completion of the activities and testing described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall publish guidance for the utilization of natural infrastructure in dryland streams technologies in civil works projects.
(5) Summary to Congress. Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and make publicly available (including on a publicly available website), a written summary of the activities and tests carried out, and the guidance published, under this subsection.
(b) Assessment of shoreline stabilization and erosion control technologies
(1) In general. The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Engineer Research and Development Center and, as appropriate, in consultation with other Federal agencies and coastal States, shall carry out research and development activities on, and test the effectiveness of, shoreline stabilization, erosion control, and wave energy reduction technologies applicable to coastal areas exposed to flooding and erosion, including flooding and erosional impacts associated with tidally influenced portions of rivers, bays, and estuaries that are hydrologically connected to the coastal water body.
(2) Considerations. In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
(A) to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that research and development activities and testing are carried out in diverse geographic locations; and
(B) carry out research and development activities and testing of natural features and nature-based features (as those terms are defined in section 1184(a) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (33 U.S.C. 2289a(a))), including the use of engineered technologies that mimic natural processes or structures, or approaches that combine natural and engineered elements.
(3) Summary to Congress. Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and make publicly available (including on a publicly available website) a written summary of the activities carried out under this subsection.
III Deauthorizations and Modifications
IV Water Resources Infrastructure
V Dam Safety