On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 415-9. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) supported the legislation, which authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) projects to improve America’s ports, harbors, inland waterways, flood and storm protection, and other infrastructure.

Congress has passed a WRDA every two years since 2014. Each bill works in two stages. First, it authorizes a feasibility study for a proposed project. After the Corps completes that study and issues a favorable Chief’s Report, the project is authorized for construction.

Costs are typically split between the Corps and a non-federal sponsor, such as a city, county, or Tribal government. This year’s bill authorizes 133 new feasibility studies for locally proposed projects, along with 14 construction-ready projects the Corps has already vetted and cleared.

Rep. Crane supported a new Arizona project authorization:

• Dudleyville, Pinal County – new flood-control project authorization

He also helped secure funding eligibility for three Arizona flood-control projects under the bill’s continuing-authority programs, which let the Corps act without a separate site-specific authorization:

• Ak-Chin Levee, Pinal County
• Lower Santa Cruz River, Pinal County
• McCormick Wash, Gila County

Furthermore, Rep. Crane helped secure four new environmental-infrastructure authorizations for Arizona communities, totaling $54 million:

• Cottonwood, Yavapai County – $10 million
• Gila County – $24 million
• Gila River Indian Community, Maricopa and Pinal Counties – $10 million
• Maricopa, Pinal County – $10 million

The bill also raised the environmental-infrastructure authorization ceilings for two existing Arizona programs, clearing the way for larger federal investments as project costs rise:

• Flagstaff, Coconino County – increased from $5 million to $13.9 million
• Winslow, Navajo County – increased from $3 million to $9 million

Beyond these authorizations, Rep. Crane pushed for expedited completion of several Arizona projects that were already authorized under prior WRDAs. These provisions don’t create new authority, but they direct the Corps to move faster on work that’s already on the books:

• Little Colorado River, Navajo County
• Rio de Flag, Flagstaff, Coconino County
• Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project, Maricopa and Pinal Counties
• Cottonwood, Yavapai County

House passage of H.R. 9497 comes the same week as a major water security conference in Arizona. The National Rural Water Association’s WaterPro Conference brought the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Glen Smith and state directors from across the country to Phoenix.

Arizona State Director Lori Urban helped coordinate the visit, where attendees toured rural Arizona infrastructure projects, including the Superior Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Tri-Cities Regional Sanitary District. Through these engagements, personnel saw Arizona’s successful federal partnerships firsthand, serving as a model for the rest of the country.

“The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 authorizes significant investment for rural Arizona through flood mitigation projects, upgraded wastewater treatment systems, and infrastructure. This legislation reinforces Arizona’s proactive approach to water management and successfully prioritizes often-overlooked communities. None of this would have been possible without the advocacy and dedication of our local and state partners who worked tirelessly to build momentum behind these projects. Through this team effort, the investments this must-pass bill puts on the books will have a meaningful impact on communities throughout rural Arizona,” said Rep. Crane.

“Addressing McCormick Wash is critical to protecting residents, businesses, public infrastructure, and emergency access in the City of Globe from flooding while supporting the long-term safety and economic vitality of our community. Congressman Crane understands the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure, and his continued advocacy for the city is making a real difference. We appreciate his partnership and look forward to working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to move this project forward as quickly as possible,” said Globe Mayor Al Gameros.

“The City of Flagstaff extends its sincere gratitude to Congressman Crane for his leadership in securing key provisions within the Water Resources Development Act of 2026. By directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to adjust the cost framework for the Rio de Flag project, this legislation marks a major step forward for this long-awaited initiative. This provision underscores the vital need to safeguard our residents, local businesses, and essential infrastructure from future flood risks. We thank Congressman Crane for his steadfast commitment to Flagstaff and look forward to partnering with the Army Corps to deliver this critical community investment,” said Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett.

“We are grateful to Congressman Crane for his leadership in securing language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the Winslow Levee Project. This provision recognizes the importance of protecting our residents, businesses, and critical infrastructure from future flooding while helping move this long-awaited project forward. On behalf of the City of Winslow, I thank Congressman Crane for his continued commitment to our community and look forward to working with the Corps to deliver this critical investment,” said Winslow Mayor Roberta “Birdie” Cano.

“I am grateful for Congressman Crane’s leadership in securing authorization language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 for the Army Corps environmental infrastructure program specifically for Cottonwood. Congressman Crane recently visited the City and saw firsthand that we need significant upgrades to our water and waste water infrastructure to protect citizens and businesses alike. This provision is a positive step in protecting current and future Cottonwood residents.  Again, I thank Congressman Crane for his continued commitment to our community and look forward to working with the Corps to deliver this critical investment,” said Cottonwood Mayor Ann Shaw.

“On numerous occasions, Congressman Crane has visited with City leaders and me to explore the challenges of growth in our community. He knows firsthand these challenges, including the need for improved and expanded water infrastructure. By securing $10 million in the House-passed WRDA bill through the environmental infrastructure (Section 595) program, Congressman Crane has once again shown his commitment to our community and  improving Maricopa’s water infrastructure. We are grateful for Congressman Crane’s continued leadership and support for our City,” said Maricopa Mayor Nancy Smith.