Water Resources Development Act of 2026

Key Points

• The bill authorizes over 100 new feasibility studies and construction projects across the country for flood risk management, navigation improvements, coastal storm protection, ecosystem restoration, and water supply. These projects address local water challenges from Alaska to Puerto Rico.
• Four new offices are created within the Army Corps of Engineers to manage inland navigation, water supply and drought resiliency, community outreach, and alternative project delivery. Each office must be established within 180 days and report to the Deputy Commanding General for Civil Works.
• The bill updates how the government handles dredged material, encouraging beneficial reuse of sediment for beach restoration and coastal protection rather than disposal, with a national goal of beneficially using at least 70 percent of suitable dredged material.
• The Missouri River is protected from out-of-basin water diversions unless all 10 basin state governors approve, and a comprehensive sedimentation study of the Upper Missouri River Basin is authorized at up to $25 million.
• The bill establishes a new drought resiliency program authorizing $35 million per year for studies and construction of small water storage projects, water conservation measures, and native plantings that reduce drought risk.
• Hundreds of water and wastewater infrastructure projects are authorized for specific communities across dozens of states and territories, providing billions in potential funding for water supply, stormwater management, and environmental restoration.