Collins Lauds Transportation Committee Passage of Water Resources Development Act

Washington, D.C. -- Today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, bipartisan legislation to authorize programs and projects of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (GA-10), who co-led the bill with Full Committee Chairman Sam Graves, issued this statement following the markup:

"American ports, harbors, and intracoastal waterways are the nation's economic backbone," said Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins. "That is why I am proud to advance WRDA 2026. This bipartisan legislation empowers the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to enhance our waterways, which are vital for the nation's economic strength, reliable supply chains, and commercial navigation. WRDA 2026 delivers for Georgia and the entire nation."

Background
WRDA 2026 authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers programs to improve project delivery, strengthen flood protection, modernize ports and inland waterways, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and support communities and commerce across the country. Specifically, the bill:

• Expands and streamlines U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintenance dredging projects that the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick rely on to maintain authorized depths.
• Authorizes new feasibility studies and flood risk management studies while advancing ecosystem restoration studies and water supply projects.
• Empowers cities, counties, port authorities, and water districts to work more closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on project timelines and delivery, reducing unnecessary delays.
• Protects affordable, reliable hydropower by safeguarding electricity generation at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoirs serving public utilities and electric cooperatives across Georgia.