Congresswoman Scholten Secures Major Wins for West Michigan in Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act

WASHINGTON, DC - Last week, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, secured key policy victories and $115 million in authorized investments for West Michigan in the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2026 markup. The bill now moves from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to a vote on the full House floor.

"Updating and improving our water infrastructure keeps West Michigan communities safe and economically competitive," said Congresswoman Scholten. "I'm proud of the policy wins and $115 million in new investments I'm advancing for our district, from shoreline protection in Muskegon Heights to protecting the health of the Great Lakes and improving dredging operations. I'll keep working to get this bipartisan package across the finish line."

Congresswoman Scholten's specific wins include:

• $115 million in new environmental infrastructure authorizations between Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon Counties, as well as the state of Michigan, for water and wastewater infrastructure, including stormwater management and surface water resource protection.
• The expedited completion of the streambank erosion and shoreline protection project in Muskegon Heights.
• Language to direct the Army Corps to assess the impact of data centers on water resources.
• The necessary authorization for a watershed-based study for the Muskegon River.
• Several Great Lakes priorities, including language to adjust wage rates for Soo Locks employees; reauthorize the Great Lakes Commission; provide status updates on the Great Lakes recreational boating study; and expand funding eligibility to control aquatic plants and invasive species.
• Dredging reforms to require local coordination and safe disposal of contaminated materials.
• The reauthorization of FEMA's High Hazard Potential Dam Program, and for language to assess levee risk, after significant flooding in Michigan this year.

A video of Congresswoman Scholten explaining the WRDA process and West Michigan's wins is available here.

Earlier this month, Congresswoman Scholten also introduced two water resources bills aimed at assessing how data centers are impacting water reservoirs and strengthening planning around PFAS contamination.

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