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. 236. Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir and Dam, Pennsylvania Since introduced

(a) In general. The Secretary shall carry out a disposition study under section 216 of the Flood Control Act of 1970 (33 U.S.C. 549a) for the release, transfer, conveyance, or exchange of excess easements, or the exchange of excess land, held for flood risk management and operation of the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir and Dam project, located in Pennsylvania and constructed as one of the flood risk management reservoir projects in the plan for flood protection on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania and New York, authorized by section 203 of the Flood Control Act of 1954 (68 Stat. 1257).

(b) Scope. The disposition study required by subsection (a) shall include—

(1) identification of the minimum real property required for the operation or maintenance of the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir and Dam project;

(2) evaluation of the potential effects of the release, transfer, conveyance, or exchange of excess property interests on flood control and recreation missions of the Corps of Engineers; and

(3) identification of the exact legal description and acreage of the property interests, including easements, suitable for conveyance.

(c) Report to Congress. Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report of the status of the disposition study required under subsection (a).

III Deauthorizations and Modifications

IV Water Resources Infrastructure

V Dam Safety