Army Corps Finally Kills Its Zombie Water Projects
Published Date: 5/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to stop work on certain water projects that aren’t moving forward because they lack local support, funding, or purpose. They’ve made a list of these projects and are asking the public to share their thoughts by August 19, 2026. This helps clear the way for better projects and saves money by cutting out the dead weight.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Which Projects May Be Deauthorized
The Corps proposes to deauthorize water resources projects and separable elements that were authorized for construction before June 10, 2014 if they: lack local support; lack available Federal or non‑Federal resources; or have an authorizing purpose that is no longer relevant or feasible. Projects also qualify for the Proposed Deauthorization List if planning, design, or construction was not initiated before January 4, 2025, or if planning, design, or construction was initiated before January 4, 2025 but no funds (Federal or non‑Federal) were obligated for that work during the current fiscal year or any of the 10 preceding fiscal years.
Final List Will Be Published and Sent to Congress
After the public comment period, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works will consider comments, publish a Final Deauthorization List in the Federal Register, and submit that list to Congress in accordance with Section 1301 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024.
Public Comment Period and How to Submit
The Corps is accepting public comments on the Proposed Deauthorization List for 90 calendar days, with the comment period ending on August 19, 2026. Comments may be submitted via http://www.regulations.gov (Docket ID COE-2026-0034), by email to [email protected], or by mail to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN: Sharon Sartor, 441 G St NW, Washington, DC 20314; hand delivery/courier is not accepted.
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Key Dates
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