Rep. Salinas Submits Water Infrastructure and Flood Management Projects for Inclusion in WRDA 2026

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) announced she submitted a series of water infrastructure and flood management projects for inclusion in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. The bipartisan bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out water infrastructure, ecosystem restoration, and flood control projects across the country. Her submissions include projects for drinking water improvements in Salem and Washington County, aquatic disposal facilities for Columbia River maintenance dredging, and continued flood risk management coordination with Canada under the Columbia River Treaty.

"Oregonians, regardless of zip code, deserve access to safe and reliable drinking water. It doesn't matter if you live in rural areas or dense neighborhoods, our towns and cities deserve federal support to update their infrastructure," said Rep. Salinas. "That is why I submitted projects to be included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026. From strengthening drinking water infrastructure to supporting flood management along the Columbia River, these projects will help modernize our water systems and ensure our region has the resources it needs to thrive. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make these projects a reality for Oregon's Sixth District."

Rep. Salinas submitted several requests to support water infrastructure and economic activity across the region.

Columbia River Treaty: Protecting Oregon's Flood Risk Management Funding
Rep. Salinas submitted language to maintain the status quo for U.S.-Canada flood risk management cooperation while Columbia River Treaty negotiations remain ongoing. Specifically, the submission would extend or remove the existing sunset clause and modify the authorization of appropriations to continue inflation-adjusted flood risk management payments to Canada through 2030, or until a modernized Columbia River Treaty is ratified. This provision ensures Oregon communities along the Columbia River are not left without critical flood protection during the treaty negotiation period.

Columbia River Maintenance Dredging: Lowering Costs for Oregon Ports
Rep. Salinas submitted language to establish aquatic disposal facilities for Columbia River maintenance dredging. The Army Corps of Engineers and Columbia River ports are developing a 20-year Dredged Material Management Plan. The most cost-efficient approach identified is to construct in-water confined aquatic structures near the mouth of the Columbia River. Rep. Salinas' submission would clarify that these structures are classified as "operations and maintenance" rather than "construction" - a distinction that would eliminate a $97 million local cost share and keep Oregon's ports and waterways competitive.

Salem Drinking Water: Infrastructure Upgrades and Source Resilience
Rep. Salinas submitted language to provide federal funding for Salem's drinking water infrastructure, including planned improvements and the identification of alternative water sources. These investments are designed to address increased turbidity in Salem's water supply resulting from periodic drawdowns at Detroit Lake. Safe, clean drinking water is a basic need - and Salem's system requires modern, resilient infrastructure to meet that standard for years to come.

Washington County Water Infrastructure: Cutting Red Tape to Accelerate Delivery
WRDA 2024 authorized $60 million for water infrastructure projects in Washington County. However, Washington County, the City of Beaverton, and the Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) have raised concerns about the Army Corps of Engineers' capacity to manage construction given its large project backlog.

Rep. Salinas submitted language that would allow the Corps to delegate construction responsibility to local partners - like Washington County and TVWD - when those partners have demonstrated the capacity to deliver. The Corps would retain full approval authority over project plans, specifications, and compliance with federal law, cost-share requirements, and applicable standards. This approach accelerates delivery of Congressionally authorized projects without sacrificing federal oversight.

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