U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing in Washington, D.C., to discuss the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 and review ongoing projects and priorities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
In her opening statement, Capito emphasized the importance of passing WRDA 2026 on schedule and working collaboratively with stakeholders. She noted that this legislation is essential for supporting efficient water resources projects while ensuring non-federal sponsors continue to play a role in meeting community needs.
“The purpose of today’s hearing is to help the Committee develop the next Water Resources Development Act. Yes, it’s that time again. We call that WRDA.
“WRDA not only authorizes water resources studies and projects but sets national policies for the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works Program. Since 2014, this Committee has kept to a biennial schedule of passing this bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to continuing that track record this Congress.
“Earlier this year, Ranking Member Whitehouse and I sent a letter to our Senate colleagues soliciting their requests for WRDA 2026. I am pleased to say that we received a significant number of requests—more than last time—which demonstrates the strong interest in, and the necessity of, this legislation.
“To help us kickstart the WRDA process, this hearing will allow the Committee to:
Learn more about the Trump Administration’s recently announced priorities for the Corps;
Examine the agency’s implementation of prior WRDAs; and
Discuss ongoing projects and programs of the Corps.
“Secretary Telle, I appreciate and applaud your willingness to closely examine what changes need to be made to allow the Corps to better deliver water resources solutions with our non-federal partners. I look forward to learning more about those changes today.
“The Corps does critical work across the nation through its navigation, flood risk management and ecosystem restoration missions. This work protects the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans and facilitates commerce throughout our country and internationally.
“Last week actually, I visited the Winfield Locks and Dam to see the great work the Corps is doing on the Kanawha River there. There’s nothing like getting eyes on a project.
“As I have previously stated, it is important that any WRDA bill supports the timely and efficient delivery of water resources projects, while continuing to meet national missions. Flexibility is key to ensuring that the Corps can identify and carry out solutions that are tailored to the needs of each community.
“We must also continue to preserve the role of our non-federal sponsors in this process. To achieve this goal, WRDA 2026 will advance studies and projects, without forcing a one-size-fits-all solution.
“In September, I stressed the importance of timely implementation of WRDA 2024 and prior WRDA, consistent with congressional intent.
“Secretary Telle, throughout your two decades as a Senate staffer and your confirmation process, you heard how important the Corps’ work and policies enacted in WRDA are to communities across the country. Now that you’ve had more time on the job, I look forward to an update on the Corps’ implementation efforts.
“I also want to acknowledge and thank staff across The Corps enterprise for their ongoing efforts providing technical assistance on WRDA requests we received from our Senate colleagues. Technical assistance is vital part our legislative process; we greatly appreciate timely responses from The Corps.”
Capito highlighted several Army Corps initiatives underway in West Virginia such as progress at Bluestone Dam Safety Assurance Mega-Project in Hinton which aims at protecting over 150 thousand people once finished as well as infrastructure valued at $20 billion dollars; she also referenced resumption last summer Lower Mud River Flood Risk Management project Milton where Secretary Telle joined local officials though further action needed due continued flooding issues region; feasibility studies managing flood risks Kanawha River Basin Upper Guyandotte were recognized too noting Huntington District’s contributions toward these assessments intended reduce future disasters’ impact local residents communities affected natural events;
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee maintains its administrative base in Washington’s Dirksen Office Building where hearings like today’s take place; it oversees federal programs balancing environmental quality natural resource management alongside infrastructure nationwide—this includes regulatory policy wildlife protection conservation transport infrastructure among others—as part broad legislative portfolio affecting every state including West Virginia according official committee information available online; collaboration within subcommittees focuses topics such clean air water transportation resource planning policy development continues shaping American environmental framework per committee website; Senator Capito chairs panel supported by other members including Kevin Cramer Cynthia Lummis whose collective oversight influences major policy decisions nationally per details posted here.
