H.R. 9497 · 119th Congress · Water Resources Development
Water Resources Development Act of 2026
Authorizes water resource infrastructure projects and establishes an Office on Alternative Delivery Methods within the Army Corps of Engineers. AI-read
What it does
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.
Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Sep 3, 2026 (Reported to House). CRS summarizes bills impartially; it does not take positions.
Roll call votes
| Date | Question | Party split (yea) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 16, 2026 House roll 673 |
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as AmendedWater Resources Development Act | D 212–0 · R 202–9 · I 1–0 |
Passed 415–9 |
What members said about it
-
Congressman Gonzalez Secures Major Wins for South Texas Water Resources in House-Passed Legislation
Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced that he secured several South Texas initiatives in the House-passed H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026.
“To create a safer and more resilient South Texas, we must invest in drainage, conservation, and other water infrastructure priorities.”
-
Fong Celebrates House Passage of Water Resources Development Act
Last week, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, bipartisan legislation that authorizes critical water resources infrastructure projects across the country.
“Water is the lifeblood of our communities, and this legislation builds on existing investments I’ve helped secure and delivers critical funding in the water infrastructure our families and businesses rely on.”
-
McClellan Celebrates Securing Three Virginia Initiatives in Water Resources Development Act of 2026
In case you missed it: On September 16, 2026, the House passed H.R. 9497, the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, to authorize critical water infrastructure projects and programs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers…
“The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 serves as proof that Congress can still work together on a bipartisan basis to tangibly better the lives of local communities and environments for generations to come. This bill will significantly strengthen our waterways, ports, harbors and critical water infrastructure…”
-
Rep. Juan Ciscomani celebrated the passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (H.R. 9497), by a vote of 415-9.
“Southern Arizona leads the way in water conservation, and I’m fighting every day to make sure we stay ahead.”
-
Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) delivered bipartisan wins for New Hampshire last week in a slate of bipartisan bills that passed the U.S. House.
“Every Granite Stater deserves access to safe, reliable drinking water.”
-
Rep. Crane Helps Secure Wins for Rural Arizona in House-Passed Water Resources Bill
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 415-9.
“The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 authorizes significant investment for rural Arizona through flood mitigation projects, upgraded wastewater treatment systems, and infrastructure. This legislation reinforces Arizona’s proactive approach to water management and successfully prioritizes often-overlooked…”
-
Case Announces U.S. House Approval Of Critical Water Infrastructure Projects For Hawaii
U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1) announced that the U.S. House yesterday approved major legislation to address improvements for the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation system, flood and storm risk…
“As the main port of the State of Hawai‘i, Honolulu Harbor receives and distributes all overseas cargo shipments constituting over 80% of all imports into the state, supports fishing operations and cruise ships and handles federal maritime activity including the U.S. Coast Guard’s 14th District.”
-
Cole Votes in Favor of Water Resources Development Act of 2026
Oklahoma District Four Wins in H.R. 9497 Increased the authorization from $15 million to $20 million for the Midwest City Water Infrastructure Project for a new water tank and booster pump station. $45 million in authorization for…
“Last night, the House voted in a bipartisan manner to address important water resource needs throughout our nation. This legislation will improve water resources infrastructure across our nation, grow the American economy, build and maintain safe waterways, improve flood protection, and more.”
-
Deluzio Secures Wins for Western PA in Biennial Water Resources Bill
This week, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined his colleagues to pass H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (otherwise known as WRDA) unanimously off the floor of the House of Representatives.
“I am proud that I included important provisions in the 2026 water resources bill that support the waterways in our region and the people who work or play on or around our rivers.”
-
Franklin Statement On House Passage Of Water Resources Development Act
Decisions involving Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, flood control and our coasts directly affect our communities, agriculture, environment and economy.
“Florida’s water challenges require sustained attention. Restoring the Everglades, managing Lake Okeechobee, protecting communities from flooding and maintaining our coasts are long-term commitments. The House has done its work, and I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can move WRDA forward and get these critical…”
-
Rep. Fry Votes to Bring $80 Nearly Million in Federal Funding to Grand Strand, Pee Dee
Today, U.S. Representative Russell Fry (SC-07) voted to advance H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA).
“Families, businesses, and visitors in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee should not have to question the reliability of our water systems.”
-
Graves' Water Resources Bill Passes House
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, a bipartisan bill that addresses improvements for the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation system, flood…
“WRDA 2026 makes significant improvements across the country to our inland waterways, ports and harbors, flood protection, and other critical water infrastructure. This bill also makes common-sense reforms to the Army Corps of Engineers’ policies, empowers local communities, and expedites project delivery.”
-
Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) issued the following statement after the House passage of H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 this week.
“Being located along the Ohio River and its tributaries, Kentucky’s Second District is no stranger to the importance of safe and reliable water infrastructure. Today, the House took an important step in securing the next generation of water infrastructure improvements in passing the Water Resources Development Act of…”
-
Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted to pass H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026.
“The Fifth District continues to be plagued by the devasting consequences of aging water infrastructure. Local leaders know best what they need and I have been working with them for months to formalize their applications and make these requests.”
-
Once Again, Diaz-Balart Delivers BIG $90.5 M
I consistently deliver for South Florida, and WRDA 26 builds on it.
-
REP. BOEBERT: ARKANSAS VALLEY CONDUIT INCLUDED IN BIPARTISAN WRDA AS HOUSE PASSES BILL ON SUSPENSION
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) today welcomed House passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (H.R. 9497) under suspension of the rules, with the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit provisions included for southeastern…
“This is about clean water for families in the Arkansas Valley who have waited more than 60 years.”
-
U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) advanced flood control projects in Eastern Kentucky through the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 (H.R. 9497), which passed the House on Wednesday.
“Repeated flooding in the mountains has been a deadly and costly battle for our region for decades. We have largely protected communities from massive floods along the Cumberland River, the Big Sandy River and the Levisa Fork with flood walls, levies, tunnels and bridges. Now, with more flooding in the Kentucky River…”
-
Congressman Pat Harrigan Secures $20 Million Authorization for Mooresville Water Infrastructure
Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted for H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation that includes a major win he secured for Mooresville, increasing the city’s federal authorization for water and…
“Mooresville is one of the fastest-growing communities in our region, and I worked to make sure this bill reflects what that growth actually requires.”
-
Kaptur Secures Wins for Northwest Ohio in House Passed National Water Projects Bill
Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act Now Awaits US Senate Action Washington, DC — Tonight, by a strong bipartisan vote of 415-9 the US House of Representatives passed H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA),…
“I am pleased this bipartisan bill contains several projects I proposed and requested be included. Among these items are additional dollars for the Corps of Engineers to upgrade drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure in Toledo and Oregon, expanded authority for the Corps of Engineers to construct in…”
-
Griffith Statement on House Passage of Bill to Authorize USACE Project for Town of Richlands
The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9497 – the Water Resources Development Act.
“I am proud to vote for the Water Resources Development Act. This bill will advance a USACE project to address flooding risk vulnerabilities that stem from the Clinch River.”
Latest action
Sep 17, 2026 · Received in the Senate.