The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee introduced H.R. 9497, WRDA of 2026, on June 29th and passed it out of committee on a unanimous vote on July 14th. The House WRDA 2026 bill authorizes 131 new feasibility studies for locally proposed water resources infrastructure projects and 10 Corps-vetted projects that are ready for Congressional construction authorization. The bill also includes targeted policy reforms to improve project delivery by strengthening alternative delivery programs, increasing non-federal stakeholder input during feasibility studies, and improving access to Corps resources. To enhance partnerships between the Corps and non-federal entities, WRDA 2026 establishes specialized offices focused on inland navigation, alternative delivery, water supply, and technical assistance, helping communities access expertise, secure funding more quickly, accelerate construction, and encourage greater use of multi-year contracts.

On July 15th, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously passed the Senate's WRDA 2026 bill, S.4949, a broad water infrastructure package that would authorize 15 new projects and 61 new project feasibility studies focused on flood risk reduction, ecosystem restoration, navigation, and port improvements. The bill goes beyond the House version by reauthorizing federal funding for drinking water and wastewater funding and financing programs, supporting Environmental Protection Agency ecosystem restoration programs, expanding the use of nonstructural flood mitigation measures such as home elevations and buyouts, and creating a pilot program to address PFAS contamination in drinking water. The legislation also includes provisions aimed at preventing the administration from pausing, terminating, or delaying Congressionally authorized Corps projects and requires regular implementation briefings to Congress, reflecting bipartisan support for advancing water infrastructure investments and stronger oversight of project delivery. 

Advancing the WRDA 2026 bills out of their respective committees marks an important milestone. As Congress undertakes its process of reauthorizing WRDA, we need your help urging your Members of Congress to support WRDA 2026 when it comes under consideration by the full House of Representatives and Senate. 

Key ASCE priorities in WRDA 2026 include:

• Reauthorization of the High Hazard Potential Dam Rehabilitation Grant Program by including the DAMS Act (H.R. 5414)
• Revision of the National Dam Safety Program State Assistance Grant formula to better reflect the current dam safety regulatory structure
• Addressing the water resources project backlog at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Supporting maintenance dredging activities and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund
   

Americans deserve safe and reliable water resources infrastructure systems. Join us in urging Congress to pass a robust WRDA 2026!
 

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