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. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy and the People of Cochiti Pueblo, shall initiate an evaluation of the area including the lands adjacent to and including the Cochiti Lake in relation to the early atomic energy program of the United States, including the Manhattan Engineering District, to determine whether the area is eligible to be added to the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program of the Corps of Engineers.
(b) Congressional notification. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate of the results of the evaluation initiated under subsection (a), including—
(1) whether the area referred to in subsection (a) contains contamination that resulted from the early atomic energy program;
(2) whether further remedial action in the area is needed; and
(3) if eligible, the timeline for adding the area to the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program.
III Deauthorizations and Modifications
IV Water Resources Infrastructure
V Dam Safety