NUCA Statement on Passage of WRDA 2026
The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) issued the following statement by NUCA Chief Advocacy Officer Zack Perconti on the passage of the “Water Resources Development Act of 2026” (H.R. 9497) on Sept. 16, 2026, in the U.S. House of Representatives:
“America’s utility construction industry applauds the U.S. House’s passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 on a bipartisan 415-9 vote.
“In a time of fiscal austerity, Congress must remember that thousands of American communities depend on federal resources NUCA members use to build modern subsurface systems that deliver essential water infrastructure, clean water, and sewer service to tens of millions of people. Without federal investment in WRDA and related infrastructure programs, the nation’s economy would grind to an unnecessary halt. For example, our industry members in South Florida build and complete these and other U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects for the betterment of the state’s economy, which are essential for the movement of goods, flood prevention, and many other purposes.
“Congress has passed a bipartisan WRDA bill every two years since 2014, and this House vote continues that strong tradition of cooperation. This year’s version was sponsored by both the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
“NUCA strongly supports the House bill and urges lawmakers to reconcile it with the Senate version, which includes both the important Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Clean Water State Revolving Fund reauthorizations. The Senate bill extends these critical infrastructure programs for four years, increases the resources available, supports lead service line replacement and PFAS removal, and adds investment in workforce development, cybersecurity, resilience, and other infrastructure improvements.
“During the upcoming lame-duck session, NUCA will continue to urge Congress to pass comprehensive water infrastructure legislation that addresses the many unfulfilled demands to improve the nation’s waterways, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.”
