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. 221. Chicago Area Waterway System Since introduced

(a) In general. Not later than 90 days 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 an assessment of the Calumet Harbor Dredged Material Disposal Facility, also known as the Chicago Area Confined Disposal Facility, authorized pursuant to section 123 of the River and Harbor Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 1823).

(b) Inclusion. The Secretary shall include in the assessment under subsection (a)—

(1) a description of work related to the ongoing and future dredging of the Calumet River and Harbor;

(2) a plan for carrying out activities related to the closure of the Chicago Area Confined Disposal Facility, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, including remediation, capping, seeding, and other measures necessary to stabilize the facility and ensure that the site of the facility is prepared for the authorized use of such site after such closure;

(3) a plan of actions to be taken to ensure conveyance of the Chicago Area Confined Disposal Facility to the Chicago Park District in a timely fashion after the completion of closure activities carried out pursuant to the plan under paragraph (2); and

(4) a plan of actions to be taken to ensure the Secretary coordinates with State and local governments in carrying out this section.

III Deauthorizations and Modifications

IV Water Resources Infrastructure

V Dam Safety