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. 217. Choctawhatchee and Pea River basins, Alabama and Florida Since introduced

(a) In general. For purposes of carrying out the study of improvements for flood control, water quality, water supply, drought management, and fish and wildlife enhancement authorized by the Congressional Committee Resolution adopted April 24, 1990, by the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate (relating to the Choctawhatchee and Pea River Basins, Alabama and Florida, as described in House Document 242, 72d Congress, 1st session), and any related review conducted pursuant to the Congressional Committee Resolution adopted August 1, 1990, by the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the House of Representatives (relating to the Pea River watershed, Alabama), the Secretary shall—

(1) develop a scope of work, including a communications plan, in collaboration with the non-Federal interest, that is in accordance with the intent of such authorizing documents and, to the extent practicable, meets the objectives of the non-Federal interest;

(2) include in the study area the entire Choctawhatchee River basin and Pea River basin, and all hydrologically connected downstream receiving waters, in the States of Alabama and Florida; and

(3) coordinate, as practicable, with relevant State, local, and Tribal entities in Alabama and Florida and with appropriate Federal agencies.

(b) Applicability. This section shall apply to any feasibility study carried out pursuant to the authorizations described in subsection (a).

III Deauthorizations and Modifications

IV Water Resources Infrastructure

V Dam Safety