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

Sec. 216. Updated plan on Federal hopper dredge recapitalization Since introduced

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall—

(1) with respect to Federal hopper dredges identified in the analysis of the Corps of Engineers titled Hopper Dredge Recapitalization Analysis (published June 20, 2017) and owned and operated by the Corps of Engineers as of the date of enactment of this Act, update the plan and timeline for recapitalization of such Federal hopper dredges that is included in such analysis; and

(2) submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate such updated plan and timeline.

III Deauthorizations and Modifications

IV Water Resources Infrastructure

V Dam Safety