One of the most important bills for American water projects, the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, is on its way to the full U.S. Senate and House of Representatives after being unanimously approved by key committees in each chamber. Congress passes a new WRDA bill every two years. The legislation paves the way for the planning, studying, and building of water infrastructure projects across the United States.
Senate Includes SRF & WIFIA Funding
Senate bill S.4949 includes the reauthorization of USEPA financing programs spread over fiscal years 2027-2030, including:
- $16.5 billion for Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF)
- $14 billion for Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF)
- $260 million for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)
S.4949 also expands eligibility for financing and assistance for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination mitigation, lead service line replacement, and projects to treat emerging contaminants.
The House version, H.R. 9497, does not include funding reauthorizations for DWSRF, CWSRF, or WIFIA. Consideration of the WRDA bills is expected on the floors of both chambers after the August recess. The House is scheduled to return on Monday August 31, and the Senate returns on Monday September 14.