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. 235. Disposition and cost allocation study of Willamette Valley, Oregon Since introduced

(a) In general. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue the report required by section 8220 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (136 Stat. 3762), as modified by this section.

(b) Cost allocation. The Secretary shall include in the report described in subsection (a)—

(1) a review of the cost allocation for capital investments for fish passage, and associated monitoring facilities, constructed or proposed after September 30, 2025, and for operation and expenses related to such capital investments, at the dams, reservoirs, and related facilities of the Willamette Valley hydropower project; and

(2) a description of the relative public value of continued hydropower operations at the Willamette Valley hydropower project compared to flood control and other authorized purposes.

(c) Definition. In this section, the term Willamette Valley hydropower project has the meaning given that term in section 8220(d) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (136 Stat. 3762).

III Deauthorizations and Modifications

IV Water Resources Infrastructure

V Dam Safety