US House committee approves Water Resources Development Act

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) announced this week that the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, a bipartisan measure that authorizes water‑related infrastructure projects led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

The bill now moves to consideration by the full House of Representatives.

WRDA, traditionally enacted every two years, provides congressional authorization for new USACE projects and continued support for ongoing initiatives involving flood management, coastal protection, environmental restoration and navigation. The projects are considered essential for community safety and long‑term economic development.

According to the PRFAA, the 2026 legislation includes multiple provisions, studies and infrastructure projects that would benefit Puerto Rico as part of broader efforts to modernize and strengthen water systems across the island. The bill also incorporates measures aimed at accelerating USACE project delivery, improving coordination with state, territorial and municipal governments, and expanding access to specialized technical assistance.

The act further seeks to reinforce USACE’s navigation mission, enhance congressional oversight, and bolster national strategies for flood mitigation and coastal risk management. It also addresses dam safety through the reauthorization of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s High Hazard Potential Dam Program under the National Dam Safety Program.

WRDA 2026 authorizes 133 new feasibility studies -- including at least one in a Puerto Rico municipality -- and 14 construction projects nationwide. It also introduces reforms designed to expedite water infrastructure development and strengthen community capacity to address challenges related to flooding, coastal protection and water resource management.