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
(a) In general. The Secretary shall carry out an assessment of the long-term viability of existing dredged material placement areas for Mobile Harbor, including State-owned upland dredged materials disposal facilities.
(b) Beneficial use. In carrying out the assessment under subsection (a), the Secretary shall include recommendations for the beneficial use of dredged materials from Mobile Harbor, including the viability of using such dredged materials at locations on Pinto Island and Blakeley Island in Mobile, Alabama.
III Deauthorizations and Modifications
IV Water Resources Infrastructure
V Dam Safety