All Roll Calls
Yes: 415 • No: 9
HR9497119th CongressWALLET
Water Resources Development Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Graves, Sam [R-MO-6]
Passed House
Summary
Reorganizes the Army Corps’ civil works by creating new program offices to manage inland navigation, water supply, and community outreach. It would speed project studies and permitting, push beneficial use of dredged material, and authorize many local water, dredging, and restoration projects.
Show full summary
- Families and local governments would see project funding and authorizations targeted to water and wastewater needs. The bill lists dozens of locality grants, including Sacramento River Basin at $155.0 million and Encinitas at $44.3 million.
- Non‑Federal partners, Tribes, and rural communities would get more technical help and priority access through a new Office on Technical Assistance and Community Outreach. The drought resiliency program is authorized at $35.0 million per year and includes a $10.0 million Federal expenditure cap for certain activities and a typical 35% non‑Federal construction share.
- Ports, shippers, and project sponsors would get faster delivery and clearer rules through a new Office of Inland Navigation Construction Management, a required electronic permit submission and tracking system within 1 year, and new dredging and beneficial‑use goals with revised Harbor Maintenance reporting.
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
55 provisions identified: 39 benefits, 3 costs, 13 mixed.
Big flood and Everglades projects
If enacted, the bill would authorize several large projects. It would fund flood reduction for Flagstaff’s Rio de Flag (about $244.6 million). It would fund coastal storm protection for Surf City, NC, with federal start-up costs of about $121.8 million and later renourishment costs of about $171.0 million. It would authorize the C‑111 South Dade project (about $954.6 million total, split equally) and the Central Everglades project (about $12.32 billion total, with about $6.16 billion federal). These projects would proceed if Congress later provides the money.
Big navigation projects move ahead
If enacted, the Corps could build the Kentucky Lock Addition under a June 11, 2026 plan, with about $2.06 billion federal and $2.74 billion total. The Corps could also carry out the New York–New Jersey Harbor East Riser work under a July 6, 2026 report, with about $180.9 million federal and $278.3 million total.
Bigger grants for city water projects
If enacted, many local water, sewer, stormwater, reuse, and distribution projects would get higher authorized federal amounts and broader scopes. Examples include Queens, NY at $261 million, Washington, DC at $201 million, Torrance, CA at $133 million, Santa Monica, CA at $15 million, Deltona, FL at $50 million, Newtown Creek, NY at $75 million, and Philadelphia, PA at $53 million.
Flood and river risk studies and fixes
If enacted, the bill would fund an Upper Missouri River sediment study with a federal share of 65% and a total cap of $25 million, with a final report due in 5 years. It would require a Columbia Lock and Dam report in 180 days with recommended permanent fixes and cost ranges. It would speed a Juneau glacial outburst flood report and set a long‑term mitigation recommendation. It would expedite watershed planning in Humphreys County, TN, under a 2022 agreement. It would speed Houston’s Buffalo Bayou resiliency study and require a Chief’s report to Congress within 2 years, with funding priority and tunnel analysis. It would also require rehabilitation of the Massillon sluice gates to keep local flood protection working.
Major navigation upgrades and upkeep
If enacted, the bill would authorize big navigation projects. It lists the Port of Long Beach deep‑draft project (about $255.8 million). It authorizes the Chickamauga Lock replacement (about $1.57 billion total; about $1.18 billion federal). It authorizes Gulfport Harbor deepening (about $548.2 million total; about $411.1 million federal). It would also have the federal government operate and maintain the Pilottown anchorage on the lower Mississippi River. These actions would support shipping, jobs, and local economies.
More grants for local water projects
If enacted, the bill would authorize many local grants for water, wastewater, stormwater, and reuse projects. Examples include the Sacramento River Basin, CA (about $155 million) and Encinitas, CA (about $44.25 million). These places could receive the listed amounts if Congress later appropriates the money. Local utilities and residents would benefit from upgraded systems.
New inland waterways project office
If enacted, the Corps would create an Office of Inland Navigation Construction Management within 180 days. It would oversee inland waterway construction, coordinate Trust Fund spending, and post project status publicly. The Corps would also update and send Congress a plan within 90 days to recapitalize federal hopper dredges that it still owns and operates.
Long-term payback for Arkansas water project
If enacted, communities using the Arkansas Valley Conduit would owe 35% of the project cost. Any local money given during construction would count toward that share. If the sponsors show financial hardship, they could repay the rest over up to 75 years at simple interest equal to 50% of a Treasury rate. Local sponsors would take on care, operation, maintenance, and replacement of the conduit.
Flood‑risk fixes with big local share
If enacted, the bill would create a continuing authority program to upgrade existing projects for flood risk standards. It would authorize about $50 million each year and cap federal spending at $15 million per study or project. The federal study share would be 50% (the first $100,000 at full federal cost). Local partners would pay 75% of construction and 100% of operation and maintenance. Work would start only after a binding local agreement to pay those shares.
Higher pay scale for Soo Locks staff
If enacted, Corps workers who operate or maintain the Sault Ste. Marie locks would be paid under the Detroit District wage schedule. This would apply to nonsupervisory, leader, and supervisory wage employees at the locks.
Ban on exporting Missouri River water
If enacted, moving Missouri River water for use outside the ten Missouri River States would be banned unless every Governor of those States agrees. The Corps also would not spend federal money to study such diversions without all Governors’ approvals. The ban would not apply to reserved federal water rights authorized on or before January 1, 2025.
Levee owners board advises on safety
If enacted, an 11‑member Levee Owners Board would be created. Members would meet at least twice a year and advise the Corps and Congress on levee reliability and budget priorities. The Corps would assign a staff lead and share semiannual reports on levee spending and actions.
Local flood and habitat projects approved
If enacted, the Corps could carry out the Beattyville, KY flood project (about $8.0 million federal, $12.5 million total). It could restore Little Goose Creek in Sheridan, WY (about $45.3 million federal, $80.9 million total) and the Lower Osage River Basin in MO (about $95.3 million federal, $146.7 million total). It could also do the Memphis Metro North DeSoto County stormwater study (about $47.3 million federal, $72.8 million total).
More support for oysters and coasts
If enacted, the Chesapeake Bay oyster recovery cap would rise to $150 million. The bill would authorize fish and oyster habitat work in the East River, Flushing Bay and River, Bronx River (NY), and Choctawhatchee Bay (FL). It would also raise Assateague Island project funding to $45 million.
Planning favors nature-based projects
If enacted, the Corps would count benefits from natural or nature‑based features as at least equal to their costs for up to 10 projects. The Secretary would report results within 4 years, and this authority would end 5 years after enactment. The bill would also require watershed studies to include projected water needs for cities, homes, industry, and farms. It would add named basins for study, including the Upper Ohio, Rio Grande (TX), Middle Rio Grande (NM), Great Salt Lake, Central Florida, Pensacola Bay (FL), Muskegon River (MI), Eightmile River (CT), and Great Egg Harbor (NJ).
Stronger oversight and faster Corps guidance
If enacted, within 90 days the Corps would send Congress a single report listing the status, funding spent, funding needed, and timelines for named pending reports. Within 45 days, the Corps would issue guidance on listed prior laws. The bill also sets a policy for the Corps to fully use its authorities across navigation, flood risk, restoration, water supply and drought resiliency, recreation, hydropower, emergency response, and more.
Wildfire and disaster plans for watersheds
If enacted, local sponsors could ask the Corps to create wildfire strategies for projects. Plans would assess risks to operations, people, property, and sediment, and list steps like fuel breaks, invasive species control, and water manual updates. The Corps would also assess watersheds hit by June 2025 wildfires in Catron, Grant, and Valencia Counties and areas near Ruidoso hit in June 2024, and report progress to Congress within 18 months.
Clear reports on harbor maintenance money
The Corps would report each year how Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund dollars were spent after this bill is enacted. The report would list totals by category, spending by project, and a plan to fix any misses on required spending. This would apply to funds made available after enactment and would aim to keep port maintenance more transparent.
Environmental cleanup checks at key sites
If enacted, the Corps would assess Chicago’s Calumet Harbor disposal site within 90 days and plan closure within 1 year, including remediation and a transfer plan to the Park District. It would report within 1 year on contaminated sediments tied to the Brandon Road project and plan to clean them during construction. It would start within 90 days an evaluation with the Energy Department and the Cochiti Pueblo to see if the Cochiti Lake area qualifies for federal cleanup under FUSRAP and report results within 1 year.
Faster action on emergencies and projects
The Corps would speed work on inland navigation projects after a Corps emergency declaration, including non‑breach events. It would also speed the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study and several final reports, watershed assessments, and dredged material plans. The Corps would try to expedite the Pima‑Maricopa Irrigation Project. For Tri‑Cities property conveyances, the Corps would expedite transfers and, if any are not done in 18 months, report to Congress which ones, why, and the timeline.
Faster Corps delivery and permits
If enacted, the bill would create an Office on Alternative Delivery within 180 days to help local sponsors use faster contracting and get credit or reimbursement. It would require rules within 180 days to pre‑approve common, low‑impact Section 408 activities, with at least 30 days for public comment. It would tell the Corps to speed up listed studies and projects and let justified projects move straight to preconstruction. It would speed reviews for several named feasibility studies. It would also require a workforce needs review by the National Academy of Public Administration and a detailed response within 180 days of receiving it.
Faster Corps studies and oversight
The Corps would have to set deadlines and cost estimates for new feasibility studies and report each year on studies expected to take over 4 years or cost more than $5,000,000 in federal funds. The Secretary would keep updating a backlog list of inactive authorizations at least every six months. Study authority for listed projects would be available, and key dates would extend: Columbia River Basin authorities through 2026–2030 and Civil Works Research to 2030. These steps would aim to speed planning and improve transparency.
Funding for Great Lakes coordination
If enacted, the bill would authorize $5 million per year for the Great Lakes Commission for fiscal years 2027–2030. The money would support regional water resources work under the Great Lakes Basin Compact. Funds would still need to be appropriated.
Higher caps for dams, rivers, lakes
If enacted, key program caps and funding levels would rise. Examples: dam rehabilitation to $80 million, Lakes Program to $60 million, Chattahoochee River to $50 million, and Acequias irrigation to $120 million. The Rio Grande Environmental Management Program would get $20 million each year for fiscal years 2026–2030 and would add more project types. Saline Lakes monitoring would rise to $12.5 million, and one cited line item would go to $211.5 million. The cap for law enforcement at Corps projects would double to $20 million. Reports on the Rio Grande program would start by December 31, 2027 and every 5 years after.
New Corps offices to help communities
This bill would create two new Army Corps offices within 180 days. One office would focus on water supply, conservation, and drought resiliency, and help finish storage reallocation studies. The other would help towns, Tribes, and small communities find and use Corps technical and funding programs, with an online portal. The Secretary would have to report to Congress on progress within two years.
New drought and water storage efforts
The Corps would start a 10‑year pilot to let States remove sediment behind Corps reservoirs and get credit toward operation and maintenance when accepted. The pilot must start within 180 days, include surveys, and notify Congress before acceptance, with priority for named Kansas and Oklahoma reservoirs. The Secretary would also study water supply and storage needs for the Arbuckle‑Timbered Hills Aquifer in Oklahoma. ERDC would test natural infrastructure for dryland streams and publish guidance after testing, with a summary to Congress within two years.
Tighter reviews of debris cleanup and lake ops
If enacted, the Corps would review emergency debris removal contracts to cut waste, reduce harm to property and habitats, and improve coordination before removal. It would also finish an After‑Action Review of Lake Okeechobee recovery operations and send a report by December 31, 2026. The report would cover reasons for the actions, effects on vegetation and oysters, water moved, any excess or shortfalls, and the Corps’ ability to repeat such actions. The report could not propose expanding federal control over state waters.
Updates to national dam safety program
The bill would update the National Dam Safety Program Act. It would change a numeric limit from 2 to 7, extend an applicability date from 2026 to 2031, and remove references to “low‑head dams” in certain clauses. These changes would adjust timelines and what dam types are covered in those provisions.
Federal exit from some flood projects
The bill would remove federal authorization for several local projects. These include North Topsail Beach (NC), features in Nevada on the Truckee River project, a 2.15‑mile Shot Pouch Creek segment (SC), listed Los Angeles County flood channels, and a 3.76‑mile Dos Rios Levee segment (CA). A portion of Charleston Harbor would also be deauthorized if the Union Pier terminal is sold and port operations there stop. Local governments and property owners would likely take on more responsibility and costs.
Cleaner dredging plans and liability rules
If enacted, the Corps would have limited cleanup liability for contaminated sediment work done under an EPA‑approved joint plan that protects health and follows cleanup rules. The Corps would document hazards and seek responsible parties before work, and the government could still recover costs. In New England, the Corps would finish its review of confined aquatic disposal (CAD) options, send results to Congress, and could study building CAD sites in Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay.
Faster permits and clearer mitigation rules
If enacted, the Corps would launch an online system within one year to file permit requests and track environmental reviews, and post final federal review documents. Before approving project work, the Corps would require a project‑specific mitigation report, consult local sponsors, and post mitigation needs and plans online. Mitigation credits could be used now or in the future, including through third parties.
Lower Missouri projects with spending cap
If enacted, the Corps could carry out flood‑risk projects from the Lower Missouri River System Plan and include compatible environmental and recreation work. Federal spending on a single Missouri project would be capped at $60 million unless the Secretary sends a feasibility finding and Congress authorizes more.
Changes to local ports and shorelines
This would authorize Columbia River turning basin improvements with about $16.4 million federal and $5.5 million non‑federal costs. Thin‑layer dredged material placement at Mobile Harbor would be limited, while a multi‑year estuary restoration program would be set up. Repairs at Morro Bay would have to include breakwaters, revetments, and seawalls as needed to meet the project’s purpose. Some Newtown Creek channel segments would get shallower authorized depths, which could limit deeper‑draft vessels. The Oceanside shoreline study would favor nature‑based features and use updated sediment data, and Ipswich River would become eligible for environmental dredging.
New drought resiliency program
If enacted, the bill would create a Corps program for drought resiliency and water conservation projects. It would authorize about $35 million each year and cap the federal share at $10 million per study or project. The federal study share would be 50% (the first $100,000 at full federal cost). The typical non‑federal construction share would be 35%, and local partners would pay 100% of long‑term operation and maintenance. Small water storage projects would follow existing federal cost‑share rules by type of use.
New funding rules for water projects
Local sponsors would be able to give the Corps funds to cover project cost overruns under a written agreement, but the federal share could not increase. Federal spending per Great Lakes restoration project would be capped at $20,000,000. The Corps would use the per‑project federal limit in effect the day after enactment for continuing authority projects. More non‑Federal dredging units would be allowed (10 to 14). Program funds for aquatic plant and invasive species control could cover reasonable indirect costs like admin and overhead.
Smarter dredging and harbor upkeep
If enacted, the Corps would publish a dredged material strategic plan within 180 days and start rulemaking within 6 months to align with a goal to beneficially use at least 70% of suitable material. Plans would aim for at least 10 years of placement capacity unless infeasible. In Ohio, the Corps would speed agreements for facilities that use dredged material and could reimburse local partners later through user fees. The Corps would assess long‑term placement options for Mobile Harbor and study emerging harbors nationwide with deferred maintenance, reporting to Congress within 1 year.
Rules for lakefront structures and permits
If enacted, the Corps would make a shoreline plan for Big Sandy Lake and could issue shoreline use permits to adjacent owners on request. The Corps would finish a disposition study and report within 18 months. At Table Rock Lake, eligible existing structures above 936 feet elevation could stay until they are abandoned. Eligible private sewer or septic systems could stay until abandonment or a final local order declares imminent failure.
Keep recreation open during Corps work
If enacted, the Corps would plan to keep the same level of public access when projects affect parks and recreation. Studies would include a plan to reduce closures and offer alternatives. At Hansen Dam in Los Angeles, the Corps would work with the City to expand recreation and check water quality needs. At Sam Rayburn Reservoir, the Corps would help the Forest Service assess and design needed boat ramp repairs if asked.
Recheck San Juan flood project design
If enacted, the Corps would reevaluate the Rio Puerto Nuevo flood project in San Juan. It would consider natural and nature‑based options, use updated data, and include an outside review. The Corps would consult agencies and communities, publish findings, hold hearings, and send an interim report to Congress within one year.
Repay Miami Harbor advanced local funds
If enacted, the Corps would repay the non‑Federal sponsor for the federal share of any advanced funds it put into the Miami Harbor project. The Corps would not require a new‑start decision before making that repayment.
Small legal fixes for water programs
If enacted, the Missouri River Recovery Committee would elect its Chair and follow updated federal advisory rules in title 5. The law would also align vessel removal references with 46 U.S.C. §4711 to clarify Coast Guard roles.
Faster land approvals for projects
The Corps would update its rules within 180 days on the minimum land interest needed for projects and post them online. District Commanders would, where practical, be allowed to approve needed land interests. For the Mississippi River–Gulf Outlet restoration, the Corps could accept easements instead of full ownership when feasible. These steps would aim to cut delays and costs from real estate requirements.
Fix fishing data reporting to Congress
If enacted, the Corps would send Congress, within 90 days, the results of its plan to fix issues in commercial fishing data. This would improve data used to inform budgeting and oversight.
Local land deals for public uses
If enacted, the Corps would study if part of the Cape Cod Canal project can be given to Sandwich or Bourne for a new wastewater plant and report status in 18 months. It would review lands at Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir to identify excess land that could be conveyed and report in 18 months. It would give about 4.02 acres at 1259 Duck Road, NC, to the Town of Duck for a fire station and public safety, with a reversion if not used for that purpose. It would also allow the federal government to buy needed property for the Pajaro River flood project at a local sponsor’s request.
More places and studies get help
More named projects and feasibility studies would be added to pilot and ability‑to‑pay lists. This could speed reviews and make some sponsors eligible for reduced cost shares if they meet program rules. The list of locations for shoreline and river restoration would grow to include Puerto Rico shoreline, the Blackstone River (RI), Texas Rio Grande border counties, and Vermont’s Passumpsic River watershed. The Lower Missouri River erosion program would be extended from 5 to 8 years.
Shoreline protection research
If enacted, the Army’s research center would test shoreline stabilization and erosion‑control methods in many places. It would include natural and engineered options. Findings would be made public and sent to Congress within 2 years.
Local land transfers for parks and water
If enacted, the Secretary would convey about 48 acres at 2205 Railroad Street to Corona, CA for water, wastewater, and related city uses, while keeping Prado Dam easements and a right to reclaim if misused. Grassy Island in Maumee Bay would be conveyed to Toledo, OH for parks and public benefit, with a reversion right. About 25 acres would be conveyed to Umatilla County, OR for public use, while keeping rights needed for John Day Dam and listing any encumbrances. In Florida, a land swap with The St. Joe Company would be completed within 180 days; the company would pay the difference in appraised values and cover costs. Parts of Spilman and Pelican Islands in Texas would get a faster review to see if they are no longer needed and could be transferred.
Project delivery tools and appraisals updated
If enacted, authority for certain non‑Federal project implementation would be extended to September 30, 2030. The Corps would review and update real estate appraisal policies within 210 days and set standard review timeframes. The Corps would report to Congress within 30 days after the review is done.
GAO review of multiyear contracts
If enacted, the Government Accountability Office would review, within one year, the pros and cons of using multiyear or continuing contracts for water projects. The report would cover legal limits, past examples, cost savings, faster delivery, and safeguards against waste. Findings and any legislative ideas would go to Congress.
Federal role cut at Newtown Creek
If enacted, the bill would deauthorize specific parts of the Newtown Creek navigation project on the date of enactment. Those areas, defined by coordinates and upstream limits, would no longer be part of the federal project.
Small areas dropped from NYC waterways
If enacted, the Corps would remove federal authorization for small, coordinate‑based areas in the Harlem River and a segment in the Hudson River channel. This could change federal support and maintenance for those exact spots.
Land transfers and easements at water sites
If enacted, the Corps could review and convey or exchange unneeded land at Canaveral Harbor to the Port Authority, with the Port paying survey, paperwork, and environmental costs. The Corps would study and prioritize local rights for land exchanges at Table Rock Lake and study two Tri‑Cities land paths, including trust land for a Tribal entity. The Kinzua Dam safety study would identify excess land that could be given to the Seneca Nation for public use. Around Sardis Lake, the Corps would have 180 days to finish required easement actions. Standard terms would apply: recipients would pay closing and documentation costs and hold the U.S. harmless for post‑transfer activities.
Limits on FEMA use of river data
If enacted, FEMA would only use a specific Upper Mississippi River hydraulic evaluation for areas tied to a congressionally authorized Corps project named in a final Chief’s report. This would limit FEMA’s use of that data for mapping or mitigation unless it matches those authorized projects.
Upkeep rules for Midwest river assets
If enacted, the Corps would keep owning and maintaining the underwater cutoff wall near Upper St. Anthony Falls and complete a condition report within one year. For the Toussaint River navigation project in Ohio, operation and maintenance costs would follow the WRDA 1986 §101(b)(1) cost‑share rule.
Willamette review: fish costs and power
If enacted, within 180 days the Corps would issue a Willamette Valley report that reviews who pays for fish passage investments built or proposed after September 30, 2025. It would also describe the public value of keeping hydropower compared to flood control and other uses.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Graves, Sam [R-MO-6]
MO • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2]
WA • D
Sponsored 6/29/2026
Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10]
GA • R
Sponsored 6/29/2026
Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24]
FL • D
Sponsored 6/29/2026
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 9/16/2026
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Yes: 415 • No: 9