The Water Resources Development Act is up for review!
From drinking water to flood prevention to commercial waterways, communities and businesses across the country depend on reliable water infrastructure. And one comprehensive legislative package ensures that these complex systems keep operating. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) authorizes federal projects and policies needed to maintain and improve our nation’s water systems and related resources, and its latest edition is up for enactment this year.
Congress typically considers WRDA every two years. It’s one of the few areas of policy that receives bipartisan support. If passed, WRDA 2026 will be the seventh consecutive bipartisan WRDA and authorize 15 new or modified water infrastructure construction projects and 61 studies to investigate the feasibility of additional projects (per the Senate’s bill language).
In July, WRDA 2026 was unanimously advanced by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. While this bipartisan action in both chambers represents an important step, the bill now heads to a full floor vote in the Senate and House. WRDA proves to be consistently bipartisan and bicameral because of its direct impact on all Americans, as our legislators’ support shows:
“The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA 2026) continues our committee’s biennial efforts to improve water resources infrastructure across the country, grow our economy, ensure communities can affordably access U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ expertise, and build resilient infrastructure in the face of more frequent and severe storms,” said Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.). “In the Pacific Northwest and across the country, investments in ports, harbors, and inland waterways support good-paying jobs and are key to long-term economic growth. I look forward WRDA 2026 passing the full House soon.”
“WRDA 2026 is an incredible bipartisan achievement that will strengthen water resources infrastructure and increase access to clean and safe drinking water nationwide,” said Sen. Shelley Capito (R-W.V.). “I look forward to the impact this bill will have on my home state of West Virginia as it supports flood risk management efforts, restores ecosystems, strengthens cybersecurity for critical water systems, and provides vital funding for water infrastructure projects across our state. I am proud to see this legislation move forward with strong bipartisan support.”
As scores from the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure show, our nation’s water systems require urgent attention. The report card evaluates major infrastructure sectors across the country, measuring current conditions, identifying areas in need of improvement, and tracking progress over time. While recent federal investments have helped improve the nation’s overall infrastructure grade, there’s plenty of work that remains.
The 2025 report card gave inland waterways a C-, ports a B, levees a D+, and wastewater infrastructure a D+. These grades demonstrate that progress has been made but also highlight the continuing need to modernize and maintain the systems that move goods, protect communities, and support economic activity.
WRDA is especially important to American manufacturing because reliable water infrastructure supports the movement of raw materials and finished products, strengthens supply chains, and helps U.S. manufacturers compete. Ports and inland waterways connect domestic manufacturers to suppliers and customers, while flood-control and coastal-resilience projects protect industrial facilities, workers, and surrounding communities from costly disruptions.
For the Alliance for American Manufacturing, investments in water infrastructure also represent an opportunity to support domestic production and strengthen America’s industrial base. Building and maintaining ports, navigation channels, flood-control systems, and other water infrastructure requires durable materials and long-term investment. Strong infrastructure policy can help create demand for American-made products while supporting jobs throughout the manufacturing and construction supply chains.
WRDA’s continued bipartisan support reflects a shared understanding that water infrastructure is essential to the country’s economic competitiveness, public safety, and long-term growth. As Congress moves WRDA 2026 through the legislative process, lawmakers have an opportunity to advance projects that protect communities, improve the movement of goods, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and help build a more resilient America.