Representative Mike Collins (R-GA) is celebrating the committee passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, bipartisan legislation to authorize programs and projects of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
Which committee moved this legislation forward? The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed this legislation after the markup process, cementing its progress towards the floor of the House of Representatives.
What Rep. Mike Collins had to say:
- Through his official X account: “As Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, I’m proud to champion this legislation to strengthen our waterways infrastructure, and improve processes and execution by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.”
- Through official press release: “American ports, harbors, and intracoastal waterways are the nation's economic backbone. 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.”
What does this bill do? The Water Resources Development Act 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.
It then authorizes new feasibility studies and flood risk management studies while advancing ecosystem restoration studies and water supply projects.
Alongside this, the bill 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.
Why has this issue become a priority for Rep. Mike Collins? The Representative is the Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee and is partnering with Full Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) to champion the bill.
