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. 238. Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Texas Since introduced

(a) Joint assessment. Upon request of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall jointly assess the condition of the Harvey Creek boat ramp at Sam Rayburn Reservoir, San Augustine County, Texas, to identify any repairs to the boat ramp that may be necessary.

(b) Technical assistance to the Forest Service. Upon request of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary shall provide technical and design assistance to the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief, for any repairs to the boat ramp described in subsection (a) that the Secretary of Agriculture determines necessary based on an assessment under subsection (a).

III Deauthorizations and Modifications

IV Water Resources Infrastructure

V Dam Safety