Ciscomani Champions Passage of Landmark Water Resources Development Act, Secures Wins for Southern Arizona

Tucson, AZ - Rep. Juan Ciscomani celebrated the passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (H.R. 9497), by a vote of 415-9. The bill includes provisions Ciscomani secured that will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to launch new water projects in Arizona, strengthen the region's water supply, improve flood protection, and better prepare communities for drought.

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is typically passed every two years. It authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to start new water projects and updates policies for existing programs. While WRDA doesn't provide funding directly, it makes projects eligible for future federal funding.

This legislation tackles Arizona's biggest water challenges, including flood management, water supply, drought and wildfire preparedness, and infrastructure investment for local communities.

"Southern Arizona leads the way in water conservation, and I'm fighting every day to make sure we stay ahead," said Congressman Ciscomani. "This bill is a direct result of listening to our communities, turning Arizona priorities into action, and getting things done. I fought hard to secure crucial provisions that will strengthen the infrastructure families rely on in our district, safeguard Pinal County from devastating floods, invest in Tucson's water future, and deliver resources for rural communities. With the House's passage, it's time for the Senate to step up and deliver for Arizona."

Specific water provision secured by Ciscomani in the bill:

• Authorizes a new feasibility study for flood risk management in Dudleyville, Arizona.
• Establishes the Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resiliency in the Corps Directorate of Civil Works.
• Directs the Secretary, at the request of a non-Federal sponsor, to develop wildfire contingency strategies for water resources development projects that identify both wildfire risk and possible wildfire mitigation measures.
• Directs the Secretary to research and develop activities on, and test the effectiveness of, natural infrastructure in dryland streams technologies in arid, semi-arid, and drought-prone areas.
• Creates multiple program offices within the Directorate of Civil Works, including a new Water Supply Office to help non-Federal sponsors coordinate with the Corps on water supply projects.

This WRDA package includes wins for Arizona, Ciscomani secured:

• Specifically, this bill authorizes new and modified environmental infrastructure, including:
  • Authorizes $23,125,000 for Western Rural Water which will help modernize drought-strained systems, improve agricultural irrigation efficiency, and ensure long-term water security for rural families.
  • Authorizes $23,125,000 for Tucson, Arizona which will help ease infrastructure strains caused by commercial growth and ensure dependable water services for the community.
  • Authorizes $7,000,000 for a new authority in Pima County, Arizona which will allow Pima County to replace a water conveyance system that delivers water to all major public uses in Tucson Mountain Park and address Lee Moore Wash by providing critical bank protection.

Local leaders are praising Rep. Ciscomani's relentless advocacy for Arizona:

"During high-frequency storm events in Dudleyville, residents along the Welton Wash corridor experience severe flooding, causing floodwaters to overtop the local roads, making them impassable and impacting the safety and economy of residents," said Pinal County Supervisor Stephen Miller. "Representative Ciscomani led an effort in the House WRDA bill to secure language to advance development of a flood control project to protect the town of Dudleyville from catastrophic floods, and we greatly appreciate Representative Ciscomani's steadfast leadership in moving this critical project forward."

"Congressman Ciscomani has been instrumental in securing much-needed infrastructure funding for Pima County. By securing a $7.5 million authorization for continued environmental infrastructure projects in the House-passed WRDA bill, he continues to help us fund critical infrastructure projects. I am grateful for Congressman Ciscomani's continued leadership in improving the lives of Pima County residents," said Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher.

"I applaud Congressman Ciscomani for including $30 million in environmental infrastructure (Section 595) funding for Santa Cruz County in the House-passed WRDA bill, H.R. 9497. With the recent flooding along the Nogales Wash, it has become more imperative that we address this critical infrastructure need before another catastrophic flood causes even more extensive damage. This $30 million funding authorization will help ensure that we can continue to address these challenges and protect the surrounding businesses and communities from the effects of this potentially devastating flooding. Again, I am thankful for Congressman Ciscomani's leadership and support in protecting Santa Cruz County's residents, property, and businesses," said Santa Cruz John Fanning Supervisor of Santa Cruz.

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