WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a markup to advance the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:

“As a water-rich state, Arkansas depends heavily on the passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA),” says Congressman Bruce Westerman. “In my capacity as a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I had the privilege of securing several maintenance and development provisions to expedite repairs for the Dardanelle Lock and Dam, strengthen efficiency requirements for the MKARNS, improve flood control, and maintain recreational access during projects on Arkansas’ parks, lakes, trails, and waterways. I’m grateful for Chairmen Graves and Collins’ dedicated work to ensure we receive needed investments to continue improving our nation’s inland waterways and water resources infrastructure.”

BACKGROUND:

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 is biennial, bipartisan legislation that supports the viability, effectiveness, and conservation of waterways for commercial and recreational use.

Westerman secured the following policy priorities in the 2026 WRDA:

Expedited repairs and study completion for the Dardanelle Lock & Dam

• Ensures slope stabilization and recontouring to prioritize efficiency while keeping what is best for the surrounding environment in mind. This will protect navigation,  prevent shutdown risks, and safeguard economic activity along the Arkansas River.

Strengthening the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS)

• Increased efficiency requirements for inland waterway project management within  the Corps.

• Enhanced dredging coordination and beneficial use policies improving sediment management in navigable waterways.

• Policies improving contracting efficiency that accelerate navigation construction and maintenance.

Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study

• Arkansas directly benefits from a basin wide plan to improve flood control, navigation reliability, sediment management, and long-term river system resilience.

• Supports eastern Arkansas farmers, industries, and communities vulnerable to repeat Mississippi River flooding.

Recreational Access Requirements

• Any Corps project affecting parks, lakes, trails, or waterways in Arkansas must:
     - Maintain recreational access
     - Provide alternatives during construction

Updates to national flood risk policy

• Require nonstructural solutions to be evaluated equally, benefiting rural Arkansas communities.

• Improve levee certifications and safety assessments.

• Streamline real estate requirements for maintaining levees.

• Arkansas counties with levee districts (e.g., along the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers) benefit from faster approvals and clearer standards.

Clickherefor a summary of the bill.
Clickherefor the full bill text.