{"format":1,"id":"119-hr-9497","congress":119,"number":"H.R. 9497","kind":"bill","group":"bills","title":"Water Resources Development Act of 2026","title_source":"Short Title(s) as Passed House","official_title":"To provide for improvements to the rivers and harbors of the United States, to provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources, and for other purposes.","titles":[{"type":"Official Title as Introduced","title":"To provide for improvements to the rivers and harbors of the United States, to provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources, and for other purposes."},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House","title":"Water Resources Development Act of 2026"},{"type":"Official Title from EH (Engrossed in House) bill text","title":"To provide for improvements to the rivers and harbors of the United States, to provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources, and for other purposes."},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House","title":"Water Resources Development Act of 2026"},{"type":"Display Title","title":"Water Resources Development Act of 2026"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced","title":"Water Resources Development Act of 2026"}],"outcome":"passed_house","law_number":null,"introduced":"2026-06-29","chambers":{"house":{"status":"roll_call","date":"2026-09-16","vote":{"id":"119-2026-h313","question":"On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended","title":"Water Resources Development Act","result":"Passed","yea":415,"nay":9,"present":0,"not_voting":9,"source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2026/roll313.xml"}},"senate":{"status":"pending","date":null,"vote":null}},"president":{"status":"not_yet","date":null},"vice_president_tie_breaker":null,"latest_action":{"text":"Received in the Senate.","date":"2026-09-17"},"nominees":null,"amendments":[],"other_votes":[],"crs_summary":{"date":"2026-09-03","stage":"Reported to House","blocks":[{"k":"h","t":"Water Resources Development Act of 2026"},{"k":"p","t":"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"},{"k":"li","t":"maintain ports and harbors,","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"make certain waterways more navigable,","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"reduce flood and storm damage,","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"restore aquatic ecosystems and protect fish and wildlife,","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"protect shorelines,","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"address harmful algal blooms,","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"rehabilitate dams,","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"manage recreational sites and facilities,","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"support water supply and storage projects, and","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"support other water resources infrastructure.","d":1},{"k":"p","t":"The bill also directs the Corps of Engineers to establish an Office on Alternative Delivery Methods in order to accelerate project delivery of infrastructure."},{"k":"p","t":"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."}],"words":156},"summary":{"main_subject":{"text":"Authorizes and modifies U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water resources studies, projects and programs, and sets related requirements for the Corps' operations, reports, land conveyances and dam safety.","cites":[{"label":"Sec. 101","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H08503E5480DF4445B3552B57424F0F04"},{"label":"Sec. 201","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HCADD30D3707B408D93E92E11AF39F12A"},{"label":"Sec. 307","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H4C289DB0DE8846AA9AE6BB5F5FAC9CEB"},{"label":"Sec. 401","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HB0250F17B1164A9A94A6CA7DDE141FB1"}]},"core_areas":["Corps of Engineers program offices and project delivery procedures","Authorization of feasibility studies and expedited studies and reports","Deauthorizations, land conveyances and program authorization changes","Environmental infrastructure assistance for specific communities","Authorization of specific navigation, flood risk, ecosystem restoration and storm damage projects","Dredging and dredged material management","National Dam Safety Program"],"what_it_does":[{"text":"Requires the Secretary of the Army to establish within the Directorate of Civil Works an Office of Inland Navigation Construction Management, an Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resiliency, an Office on Technical Assistance and Community Outreach, and an Office on Alternative Delivery Methods.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 101","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H08503E5480DF4445B3552B57424F0F04"}},{"text":"Amends section 14 of the Act of March 3, 1899 to require the Secretary to establish by rule categorical permissions for categories of activities, limited to activities that cause only minimal adverse environmental effects, and to publish a proposed rule within 180 days of enactment.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 105","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HA6F7EDFC843045EA83FC2F26D0D9A056"}},{"text":"Establishes a Levee Owners Board of eleven members appointed by the Secretary to make recommendations to the Secretary and Congress on levee system reliability.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 104","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H90F87709AED34C28BA699C57467E2B82"}},{"text":"Authorizes the Secretary to conduct feasibility studies for 107 listed new projects, and for 26 listed modifications to existing projects.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 201","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HCADD30D3707B408D93E92E11AF39F12A"}},{"text":"Directs the Secretary to expedite completion of feasibility studies, general reevaluation reports, study reports, dredged material management plans and other listed items for specific projects.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 202","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H335AE764862A4443B93DCCB0DEBC0DA2"}},{"text":"Amends the continuing authority programs by creating a flood risk management program with a $50,000,000 annual authorization, replacing section 155 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 with a drought resiliency program authorized at $35,000,000 for each fiscal year, and raising several program funding limits.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 109","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H8AC9198EC9A44A28BE66CD4F92CD34AD"}},{"text":"Amends section 219(f) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to add environmental infrastructure projects numbered (599) through (793), each with a stated dollar amount for a named location.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 307","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H4C289DB0DE8846AA9AE6BB5F5FAC9CEB"}},{"text":"Authorizes seven listed modification and other projects and five other projects in the navigation, flood risk management, ecosystem restoration and hurricane and storm damage risk reduction categories, with estimated costs stated in a table.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 401","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HB0250F17B1164A9A94A6CA7DDE141FB1"}},{"text":"Removes authorization for listed portions of projects, including flood channels in the Los Angeles County Drainage Area, and authorizes conveyances of Corps property to named entities, including the City of Corona, the Town of Duck, the City of Toledo and the County of Umatilla.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 306","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H44A4780EE3A946A68B4CAFA0DF5B3E80"}},{"text":"Amends the National Dam Safety Program Act to change a program period in section 8(e)(4) from 2 to 7 and an authorization date in section 8A(j)(4) from 2026 to 2031, and requires FEMA to complete a study on high hazard potential dam prioritization within 2 years.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 501","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HA0C4C2E679814567ABB1A23A78281311"}}],"unexpected":[{"category":"off_subject","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 104","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H90F87709AED34C28BA699C57467E2B82"},"heading":"Levee owners board","effect":"Establishes an eleven-member Levee Owners Board of Federal levee system owner-operators, appointed by the Secretary, to make recommendations to the Secretary and Congress on levee system reliability.","amount":null,"quote":"There is established a Levee Owners Board."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 114","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H9353B9C634B2419BBD3D06CDFCC38A91"},"heading":"Soo Locks operator wage rates","effect":"Directs that specified Corps of Engineers wage employees at the navigation locks at Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, be paid from special wage schedules with rates identical to the regular wage schedule for the Detroit District Office.","amount":null,"quote":"shall be paid from special wage schedules having rates identical to the regular wage schedule authorized for the Detroit District Office"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 119","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H42AAAB01C8C9415D991A792B6A146C8C"},"heading":"Prohibition on diversion of water from Missouri River","effect":"Bars diversion or export of Missouri River or tributary water for use outside of a Missouri River State, and bars Secretary-led or funded diversion studies, unless the Governor of each Missouri River State approves; diversions authorized on or before January 1, 2025 are exempt.","amount":null,"quote":"No water may be diverted or exported from any portion of the Missouri River, or from any tributary of the Missouri River, for use outside of a Missouri River State"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 120","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HE3F4E8385AB743A885EC3C70B278401E"},"heading":"Law enforcement at water resources development projects","effect":"Raises a limit in section 120(b) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 on law enforcement at water resources development projects from $10,000,000 to $20,000,000.","amount":null,"quote":"amended by striking “$10,000,000” and inserting “$20,000,000”"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 121","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H31E4B66236B94B27B3F042DA108E401D"},"heading":"Disaster debris removal","effect":"Expresses the sense of Congress on standard terms for Corps emergency debris removal contracts and directs the Secretary to evaluate contract and fee structures and added terms for protecting property, habitat, and wildlife.","amount":null,"quote":"the standard terms and provisions used by the Corps of Engineers in emergency debris removal contracts should facilitate effective and expedient removal of disaster-generated debris"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 122","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H44B0FD1D2EF54E76A69455608DF2D79A"},"heading":"Wildfire contingency strategies","effect":"Requires the Secretary, at a non-Federal interest's request, to develop a wildfire contingency strategy with a risk assessment and mitigation plan for a water resources development project, prioritizing projects in areas of considerable wildfire risk.","amount":null,"quote":"the Secretary shall develop a wildfire contingency strategy for identifying both wildfire risks and possible wildfire mitigation with respect to such project"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 125","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HF427B39A281F4E1D99DF40E9B13FBDE1"},"heading":"Expenses for control of aquatic plant growths and invasive species","effect":"Allows funds made available for aquatic plant growth control under section 104 of the River and Harbor Act of 1958 to be used for indirect costs, including administrative expenses and overhead.","amount":null,"quote":"Funds made available to carry out this section may be used to pay reasonable and necessary indirect costs associated with activities carried out under this section"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 127","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H213176989BA8492688D420B33DE56A75"},"heading":"Harmful algal bloom demonstration program","effect":"Adds four named locations (Putnam Lake, New York; Ross Island Lagoon, Oregon; lakes and reservoirs in Pennsylvania including Blue Marsh Lake; Rio Grande River Basin, Texas) to the harmful algal bloom demonstration program and requires annual updates to committees.","amount":null,"quote":"Lakes and reservoirs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including Blue Marsh Lake; and"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 139","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H7DF103DE89AB4E11A706427F71CBFB1A"},"heading":"Sense of Congress on munitions disposal","effect":"Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should collaborate with the Secretary of Defense to identify the agency responsible for remediation of explosive ordnance and unexploded ordnance disposal.","amount":null,"quote":"the Secretary should collaborate with the Secretary of Defense to identify the agency responsible for remediation of explosive ordnance and unexploded ordnance disposal"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 140","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HDE18E55F9AE3491D923F62FF811F0E41"},"heading":"Corps of Engineers workforce","effect":"Expresses the sense of Congress on Corps workforce needs and directs the Secretary to seek a contract with the National Academy of Public Administration for a review of Corps workforce demands and needs, with a report to Congress.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary shall seek to contract with the National Academy of Public Administration to carry out a comprehensive review of workforce demands and needs of the Corps of Engineers"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 232","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HC9D4B229493F437C8B47899F412EDDB9"},"heading":"Evaluation of atomic contamination at Cochiti Lake, Sandoval County, New Mexico","effect":"Directs the Secretary to start an evaluation of the Cochiti Lake area, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy and the People of Cochiti Pueblo, to determine whether it is eligible for the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program.","amount":null,"quote":"to determine whether the area is eligible to be added to the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program of the Corps of Engineers."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 238","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HA8263723552B4C5C8F1B3588EC4F5B89"},"heading":"Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Texas","effect":"On request of the Secretary of Agriculture, directs a joint assessment with the Forest Service of the Harvey Creek boat ramp and requires Corps technical and design assistance for any repairs found necessary.","amount":null,"quote":"the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall jointly assess the condition of the Harvey Creek boat ramp at Sam Rayburn Reservoir, San Augustine County, Texas"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 318","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HA2EEA3605B8440E8924A6F0E3FFFE9B9"},"heading":"Arkansas Valley Conduit, Colorado","effect":"Amends the Fryingpan-Arkansas project law to set the Arkansas Valley Conduit contract payment at 35 percent of the conduit cost, with the balance repaid over up to 75 years at simple interest of 50 percent of the Treasury-determined rate, based on a showing of financial hardship.","amount":null,"quote":"the contract for the Arkansas Valley Conduit shall provide for payment in an amount equal to 35 percent of the cost of the conduit, notwithstanding the reclamation laws or any other provision of this Act."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 323","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H325D0AA30A4246F1A083B74A7ECEFBD4"},"heading":"Jack Hubbard Memorial Breakwater, Burt Township, Michigan","effect":"Designates the breakwater at Grand Marais Harbor, Michigan as the \"Jack Hubbard Memorial Breakwater\" and treats references to it as references to that name.","amount":null,"quote":"shall hereafter be known and designated as the “Jack Hubbard Memorial Breakwater”"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 325","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HA46DC4790A2642159437616BBC10ACFB"},"heading":"Hydraulic evaluation of Upper Mississippi River","effect":"Limits how the Federal Emergency Management Agency may use information developed under the Upper Mississippi River hydraulic evaluation, tying its use to a congressionally authorized project in a final report of the Chief of Engineers.","amount":null,"quote":"The Federal Emergency Management Agency may only use information developed under subsection (a) with respect to any area of the Upper Mississippi River"}]},{"category":"narrow_beneficiary","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 230","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H044B4B5CA032473E8A5F61DA03ACE480"},"heading":"Table Rock Lake disposition study, Missouri and Arkansas","effect":"Requires the Secretary, in a Table Rock Lake disposition study, to give the relevant non-Federal interest a right of first refusal on any release, transfer, conveyance, or exchange of excess easements.","amount":null,"quote":"ensure that the relevant non-Federal interest for the Table Rock Lake project is provided right of first refusal for any potential release, transfer, conveyance, or exchange of excess easements"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 331","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H9530EE95CF3349D4AF2268FB43B7FD28"},"heading":"Cooperative agreements, New Mexico","effect":"Broadens the activities eligible for cooperative agreements under section 3117 of WRDA 2007 for a New Mexico flood control project to include recreational management and stewardship activities.","amount":null,"quote":"to assist in carrying out any operation, maintenance, recreational management, or related stewardship activities associated with the flood control project"}]},{"category":"named_funding","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 227","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H7BDFDDEDA34C4B838E6E01913861822A"},"heading":"Assateague Island, Maryland and Virginia","effect":"Raises a dollar figure in section 534(c) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 from $35,000,000 to $45,000,000.","amount":"$45,000,000","quote":"Section 534(c) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 (110 Stat. 3775) is amended by striking “$35,000,000” and inserting “$45,000,000”."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 307","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H4C289DB0DE8846AA9AE6BB5F5FAC9CEB"},"heading":"Environmental infrastructure","effect":"Adds paragraphs (599) through (793) to section 219(f) authorizing a separate dollar amount for water and wastewater infrastructure in each named city, county, town or other place, and raises the authorized amounts for many previously listed places.","amount":null,"quote":"(608) Lee County, Arkansas.—$50,000,000 for water and wastewater infrastructure in Lee County, Arkansas."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 320","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H1D0EED36D0024FB8A19B4015B3896F08"},"heading":"Miami Harbor, Miami-Dade County, Florida","effect":"Directs the Secretary to repay the non-Federal interest the Federal share of advanced funds for the Miami Harbor navigation project, and bars a new start determination before repayment.","amount":null,"quote":"the Secretary shall repay the non-Federal interest for the Federal share of any advanced funds contributed by the non-Federal interest"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 322","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H9E05CEF03FEB44C4A7E9443D9B45CCF8"},"heading":"Pilottown anchorage area, Louisiana","effect":"Authorizes the Secretary to operate and maintain the Pilottown anchorage area at Federal expense.","amount":null,"quote":"the Secretary is authorized to operate and maintain, at Federal expense, the Pilottown anchorage area"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 328","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HE5894CD20DFD46BDAC29CC12CF3D6646"},"heading":"Great Lakes Commission","effect":"Authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030 to the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Commission for water resources development efforts related to the Compact.","amount":"$5,000,000","quote":"There is authorized to be appropriated to the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Commission"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 334","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H9FBB17EE75C6474DB79A8A5D20648F82"},"heading":"Massillon Local Protection Project, Tuscarawas River, Ohio","effect":"Directs the Secretary to carry out rehabilitation of the sluice gates of the Massillon Local Protection Project under section 133 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020.","amount":null,"quote":"the Secretary shall carry out rehabilitation efforts at the sluice gates of the Massillon Local Protection Project"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 337","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H1ED438BBD8814E618C364B2F56143757"},"heading":"Buffalo Bayou Tributaries and Resiliency Study, Texas","effect":"Directs the Secretary to expedite the Buffalo Bayou Tributaries and Resiliency Study, prioritize Federal funding for it in budget and work plan submissions, and excuses the report from evaluating alternatives not acceptable to the non-Federal interest.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary shall prioritize Federal funding for the completion of the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study pursuant to subsection (a)"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 344","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H418B09AFD52D446EA67297AE32780C44"},"heading":"Puget Sound nearshore ecosystem restoration, Washington","effect":"Directs the Secretary to treat removal, relocation, and replacement of four listed roads and bridges at Puget Sound sites as a project feature with costs shared as construction.","amount":null,"quote":"the Secretary shall consider the removal, relocation, and replacement of the following sites to be a project feature the costs of which are shared as construction"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 402","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H40A906098F05413EB6BBCD900F3E5E77"},"heading":"Expedited completion of projects and activities","effect":"Directs the Secretary to expedite completion of a long list of named continuing authorities program projects, other named projects and maintenance dredging activities, and one tribal partnership project.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, expedite completion of the following projects"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 118","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HA647C57DD31D41DBA272546D8D8908CF"},"heading":"Watershed and river basin assessments","effect":"Adds nine named watersheds and river basins to the list of areas covered by the watershed and river basin assessment authority, and adds projected water supply needs to the assessment's scope.","amount":null,"quote":"Middle Rio Grande Watershed, New Mexico;"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 124","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H46820144EA6E4CB097C696F8CD45B2E6"},"heading":"Environmental dredging","effect":"Adds the navigation project on the Ipswich River, Massachusetts to the list of projects covered by the environmental dredging authority.","amount":null,"quote":"The project for navigation, Ipswich River, Massachusetts, authorized by the River and Harbor Act of 1968 (82 Stat. 731)."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 128","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H635AD9258332452D8151EEF310D567EF"},"heading":"Shoreline and riverine protection and restoration","effect":"Adds four named places to the list of areas eligible under the shoreline and riverine protection and restoration authority.","amount":null,"quote":"Shoreline of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 129","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H0EA84378E8674526B5F284FDC64AFEFC"},"heading":"Fish and oyster habitat restoration","effect":"Adds habitat restoration for fish and native oysters in named New York waters, and for fish in Choctawhatchee Bay and near Okaloosa County, Florida, to the covered activities.","amount":null,"quote":"habitat for fish, including native oysters, in the East River, Flushing Bay and River, and Bronx River, New York"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 302","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H6C845D9B2F9C498E9C63E04FEAE71220"},"heading":"General reauthorizations","effect":"Adds six named lakes to the Lakes program list and raises the authorization ceilings or extends the terms of several named programs, including the Lakes program limit from $40,000,000 to $60,000,000.","amount":"$60,000,000","quote":"(40) Gap Creek, Okaloosa County, Florida, for removal of silt and aquatic growth, stump removal, and other material to carry out environmental cleanup;"}]},{"category":"place_specific_amount","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 326","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H72E98913946F42309BA174469157C833"},"heading":"Lower Missouri River comprehensive flood protection","effect":"Caps Federal spending at $60,000,000 for a single Lower Missouri River flood risk project in the State of Missouri, unless the Secretary submits a feasibility determination and Congress specifically authorizes construction.","amount":"$60,000,000","quote":"the Secretary may not expend more than $60,000,000 in Federal funds for a single project carried out under this section in the State of Missouri"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 329","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H767E5A64F1004AB08632AC1F81B5BA09"},"heading":"Great Lakes Fishery and ecosystem restoration","effect":"Adds a limit of $20,000,000 on total Federal spending for a project under the Great Lakes fishery and ecosystem restoration authority.","amount":"$20,000,000","quote":"The total Federal amount expended for a project carried out under this section shall be not more than $20,000,000."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 341","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HFC8D05E4F7A0445F876664811B36E017"},"heading":"Puget Sound and adjacent waters restoration, Washington","effect":"Rewrites the limit on total Federal spending for a critical restoration project under the Puget Sound and adjacent waters authority to $20,000,000, including projects with earlier agreements not yet complete.","amount":"$20,000,000","quote":"shall not be more than $20,000,000"}]},{"category":"selective_carve_out","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 103","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HF45189F83AA147BBB69670D0C0D2F505"},"heading":"Removal or remediation of contaminated sediment","effect":"States that the Secretary is not liable under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 for releases resulting from covered contaminated-sediment removal or remediation carried out under an approved joint plan.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary shall not be liable under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) for the release of a hazardous substance"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 115","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H1A0920BEA6024A6383BFDCF39497E2DF"},"heading":"Beneficial use of dredged material from harbors in the State of Ohio","effect":"Requires expedited review of partnership agreement requests for facilities demonstrating beneficial uses of dredged material from a federally authorized harbor in Ohio, and lets the Secretary enter such an agreement before a dredged material management plan is complete.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary shall expedite the review of a request of a non-Federal interest to enter into a partnership agreement"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 123","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H5A996819515549CC88D1FA81D43CE37D"},"heading":"Reservoir sediment pilot program","effect":"Creates a pilot program under which the Secretary may accept State-provided sediment removal services at dams, and directs priority to four named reservoirs and lakes in Kansas and Oklahoma.","amount":null,"quote":"the Secretary shall prioritize accepting services for projects in the following locations:"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 130","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H8896D9689A134379B0B336A0319AFF54"},"heading":"Benefits and costs attributable to certain measures","effect":"Directs that, for up to 10 projects (including two named priority projects), benefits of natural or nature-based feature measures be treated as at least equal to their costs in benefit-cost evaluations; authority sunsets 5 years after enactment.","amount":null,"quote":"shall utilize the authority under subsection (a) on not more than 10 projects that utilize a natural feature or nature-based feature"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 142","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H79705263352746D598DD20628C4DEE48"},"heading":"Ability to pay","effect":"Adds seven named projects and studies to the list in section 1139(c) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, and inserts \"and studies\" in the lead-in text of that subsection.","amount":null,"quote":"The project for flood risk management, Big Island Local Flood Protection Project, Illinois, authorized pursuant to section 203 of the Flood Control Act of 1968 (82 Stat. 742)."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 143","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HFFB8A0C0E5DB4510A857B2F4993BA848"},"heading":"Pilot program prioritization","effect":"Adds three named projects and studies to the list in section 118(h) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020.","amount":null,"quote":"The project for shoreline and riverine protection and restoration, Passumpsic River watershed, Vermont, authorized by section 212 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 (33 U.S.C. 2332)."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 231","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HA0CFE660452541399D49CC40909A1694"},"heading":"Table Rock Lake, Missouri and Arkansas","effect":"Amends section 1323 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 so the Secretary must permit existing eligible structures and sewer or septic systems to stay at Table Rock Lake until abandonment or, for sewer or septic systems, imminent failure.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary shall permit the ongoing presence of an eligible structure at the Table Rock Lake project until the abandonment of the eligible structure."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 312","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H80496B87613B41838C9DF2942FE5ADEF"},"heading":"Mobile Harbor, Alabama","effect":"Replaces the authority to consider alternatives to Gulf of Mexico disposal at Mobile Harbor with a prohibition on thin layer placement of dredged material, except for emergency use, draft restrictions, or living shorelines or brackish marsh habitats, and directs a multi-year restoration program.","amount":null,"quote":"shall prohibit the use of thin layer placement of dredged material unless such disposal is necessary for emergency use, to prevent draft restrictions, or the creation of living shorelines or brackish marsh habitats."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 321","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HF7E9B206E00445689CB7B683E1A5A645"},"heading":"Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet, Louisiana","effect":"Directs the Secretary, where feasible, to accept easements instead of fee ownership of land to meet property rights requirements for one named ecosystem restoration project.","amount":null,"quote":"the Secretary shall, where feasible, allow the non-Federal interest to provide easements on the land for the project"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 335","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HB38DD37ED5374441BC4F0EE160A8CCD6"},"heading":"Toussaint River Federal navigation project, Carroll Township, Ohio","effect":"Sets the operation and maintenance cost share for one named navigation project to follow the cost share in section 101(b)(1) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986.","amount":null,"quote":"The cost share for operation and maintenance activities for the Toussaint River Federal navigation project, Carroll Township, Ohio"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 339","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H3A672290F7D944F7A2A9ADC91DD8AE54"},"heading":"Coastal Virginia","effect":"Requires analyses of measures benefitting other Federal agencies' land in the Coastal Virginia study to be at Federal expense, with an exception allowing non-Federal contributions for measures relating to a military installation.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary shall carry out each analysis described in subsection (a) at Federal expense"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 340","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H86518B9E3157459494D263A21B01799C"},"heading":"Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management, Virginia","effect":"Requires analyses of measures benefitting other Federal agencies' land in the Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management study to be at Federal expense, with an exception allowing non-Federal contributions for measures relating to a military installation.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary shall carry out each analysis described in subsection (a) at Federal expense"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 342","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HB6F785E0321148388902018DC94E51A4"},"heading":"Lower Columbia River","effect":"Treats the cost of dredged material stabilization and retaining structures for one navigation project as eligible operation and maintenance costs assigned to commercial navigation under section 210(a)(2) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986.","amount":null,"quote":"shall be considered eligible operation and maintenance costs assigned to commercial navigation"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 346","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H877663389D0E41B6AD93907AAFF91920"},"heading":"Federal Triangle Area, Washington, District of Columbia","effect":"Requires analyses of measures benefitting other Federal agencies' land in the Federal Triangle Area flood risk management study to be carried out at Federal expense.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary shall carry out each analysis described in subsection (a) at Federal expense"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 303","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H152E5103865246FA9AB2D46409FCB6AD"},"heading":"Conveyances","effect":"Authorizes conveyances of federal property to named local governments and states that the Department of Defense property screening law (10 U.S.C. 2696) does not apply to them. Some conveyances are without consideration and one requires fair market value.","amount":null,"quote":"Section 2696 of title 10, United States Code, shall not apply to any conveyance under this section."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 304","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H5DE2B4D5E9EF472F9628662B85E7EC93"},"heading":"Land exchange, Walton and Bay Counties, Florida","effect":"Directs the Secretary to release federal easement interests on about 79.60 acres to The St. Joe Company in exchange for about 103.49 acres, with the company paying any difference in value. It also states that the property screening law (10 U.S.C. 2696) does not apply.","amount":null,"quote":"Section 2696 of title 10, United States Code, shall not apply to any conveyance under this section."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 305","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HD4B4957A58604F6CB2D13EA7E0157784"},"heading":"Port Canaveral, Florida","effect":"Directs the Secretary, on request, to review and convey, exchange, or grant easements on land held for the Canaveral Harbor project to the Canaveral Port Authority. It states that the property screening law (10 U.S.C. 2696) does not apply to these conveyances.","amount":null,"quote":"Section 2696 of title 10, United States Code, shall not apply to the conveyance of property under this section."}]},{"category":"rule_delay","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 229","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HFA0F80F4B02841BF887712EFAC23DD45"},"heading":"Upper Missouri River Basin sedimentation","effect":"Directs a sedimentation study of the Upper Missouri River Basin and bars the Secretary from considering any changes to the Missouri River Basin Mainstem Reservoir System Master Water Control Manual in that study.","amount":null,"quote":"the Secretary may not consider any changes to the Missouri River Basin Mainstem Reservoir System Master Water Control Manual."}]},{"category":"process_change","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 105","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-HA6F7EDFC843045EA83FC2F26D0D9A056"},"heading":"Categorical permissions","effect":"Requires the Secretary to establish by rule categorical permissions for categories of activities under the permission process in section 14 of the Act of March 3, 1899, and to publish a proposed rule within 180 days.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary shall, by rule, establish categorical permissions for any category of activities for which an application for permission under paragraph (1) may be submitted."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 107","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H282D4F0BBB6D402FB2E5DEB2AA14E107"},"heading":"Electronic submission and tracking of permit applications","effect":"Amends the electronic system for permit applications to also cover jurisdictional determination requests and tracking of Federal environmental review documents, adds record retention and public availability rules, and moves the implementation deadline to 1 year after enactment.","amount":null,"quote":"preparation and submission of applications for permits and requests for jurisdictional determinations under the jurisdiction of the Secretary"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 133","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H303E10C6AB42420EA2EC73E982497055"},"heading":"Realignment of certain Corps of Engineers Districts","effect":"Requires the Secretary within 90 days to transfer named Missouri and Arkansas counties and areas between Corps districts, and requires 30 days' advance notice to committees before any other district boundary change.","amount":null,"quote":"Atchison County, Missouri, and Holt County, Missouri, shall be transferred to the Kansas City District."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 345","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh#toc-H21A2AE5285F9429EA085F45AA69FF68C"},"heading":"Washington Metropolitan Area, Washington, District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia","effect":"Directs a second phase of the Washington metropolitan area water supply study to continue as a continuation of the first phase without a new investment decision.","amount":null,"quote":"shall continue such study without a new investment decision"}]}],"version":{"type":"Engrossed in House","date":"2026-09-16","rule":"passed","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text/eh"},"current":true,"model":"claude-sonnet-5-5","approved":"2026-10-12","approved_by":"checks"},"sources":{"congress_gov":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497","text":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9497/text"},"card":{"image":"card/item/119-hr-9497.png","v":"13476bc58e10","alt":"Votes on Record. H.R. 9497, 119th Congress: Water Resources Development Act of 2026. House: 415 Yea, 9 Nay. Senate: not yet considered. Outcome: Passed House, 16 Sep 2026."}}