Rouzer-Supported Water Resources Development Act of 2026 Passes the House T&I Committee

Rouzer-Supported Water Resources Development Act of 2026 Passes the House T&I Committee

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, with support from Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07), the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, advancing key priorities for Southeastern North Carolina, including Surf City's federal beach renourishment project and multiple flood reduction studies for local communities. The bill unanimously passed the committee and now awaits a vote by the full House.

"The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 makes critical investments across Southeastern North Carolina, protecting homes and businesses from future natural disasters, and strengthens our maritime economy," said Congressman David Rouzer. "Delivering this bipartisan bill every two years builds on the success of previous WRDAs, making federal projects more timely and efficient in meeting the needs of our communities."

Across the country, our water infrastructure supports agricultural production, protects homes and businesses from natural disasters, and strengthens ports and waterways. WRDA 2026 authorizes 10 major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects (including one in Surf City), 131 feasibility studies for locally proposed projects, and provides policy guidance for implementation by the Corps.

WRDA 2026 North Carolina priorities championed by Congressman Rouzer include:

• Surf City 50-Year Federal Beach Nourishment Project: Authorizes $292.8 million in federal funding over the 50-year life of the Surf City Coastal Storm Risk Management Project, periodically renourishing the beach and dune system to reduce storm damage and strengthen the long-term resilience of Topsail Island.
• Improves Flood Resiliency: Advances three flood risk management studies in Whiteville's Waccamaw River Basin, Fayetteville's Cross Creek Watershed, and the Town of Topsail Beach, allowing the Corps to evaluate solutions to reduce flooding and better protect surrounding communities.
• Enhances Water Quality: Supports a water supply and ecosystem restoration feasibility study of the Cape Fear River in Cumberland County to identify new opportunities for regional water supply while removing hazardous substances from the water supply and strengthening the long-term health of the river.
• Strengthens White Lake Infrastructure: Authorizes $40 million for water, wastewater, stormwater, and other environmental infrastructure improvements to improve the community's long-term resilience.

The legislation also supports economic growth by improving Corps operations and increasing collaboration with non-federal partners on maintenance dredging projects. To accelerate project delivery at a lower cost, WRDA 2026 requires the Corps to provide regular project updates to Congress, allowing lawmakers and the Corps to identify solutions that keep projects on track. Together, these reforms will help deliver projects faster and support the American economy.

For more information on WRDA 2026, click here.

Click here to watch Congressman Rouzer's opening remarks.