Proposals for a Water Resources Development Act of 2026 – Administration Priorities

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing on February 25, 2026, to discuss the Administration's priorities for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. Key topics included the need to accelerate project delivery, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and improve fiscal discipline within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Witnesses highlighted the challenges of executing authorized projects on time and within budget, citing a backlog of over $100 billion in projects and $45 billion in appropriated but unspent funds. The Administration unveiled a "Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork" initiative aimed at cultural and procedural reforms to enhance efficiency, including smarter contracting practices and prioritization of projects based on strategic importance. Members emphasized the importance of maintaining and upgrading ports, waterways, and flood control infrastructure, with attention to environmental compliance and collaboration with nonfederal partners. Concerns were raised about regulatory delays, communication barriers due to new Pentagon directives, and the need for transparency in cost estimations. The hearing underscored bipartisan support for a robust WRDA 2026 that addresses infrastructure resilience, economic growth, and community safety.