The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 focuses on water resources infrastructure, dam safety, and studies addressing contracting efficiency, sediment remediation, and fish habitat restoration. It establishes specific offices to oversee water resource projects and emphasizes multiyear contracts for cost savings and efficiency. The bill covers various studies, authorizations, and deauthorizations for projects across the United States, addressing flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and infrastructure improvement. It also allocates funding for water and wastewater infrastructure projects in multiple states and amends funding allocations for specific projects to bolster water-related infrastructure and environmental protection efforts. The bill emphasizes collaboration, expedited project completion, and addressing various challenges in water resources management and development.
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.