Val Hoyle

07/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/14/2026 16:20

HOYLE SECURES DISTRICT AND POLICY WINS IN THE 2026 WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT

July 14, 2026

HOYLE SECURES DISTRICT AND POLICY WINS IN THE 2026 WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA, H.R. 9497). It authorizes construction projects, studies and other infrastructure activities for U.S. waterways and ports. This bipartisan legislation also includes key priorities championed by Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04). The bill will next go to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

"I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation that will help Oregon's ports, harbors and inland waterways repair aging infrastructure, complete dredging and fix critical jetties," said Representative Hoyle. "Investments in our maritime infrastructure strengthen Oregon's coastal economy by supporting commercial and recreational fishing fleets and good-paying rural jobs. It also helps coastal communities prepare for the growing impacts of climate change."

Neil Maunu, Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association and Kenneth Vogeney, Emergency Manager for the City of Springfield, also commented on today's Committee passage of WRDA:

"This bill will help ensure the Pacific Northwest can maintain and modernize our established waterways, strengthening our competitiveness while expanding the capacity and efficiency needed to attract new global customers and drive economic growth. PNWA applauds the Committee's bipartisan leadership in advancing the WRDA 2026 bill, which addresses the diverse needs of our nation's waterways, and looks forward to its passage by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate." ?- Neil Maunu, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA)

"The 42nd Street Levee in Springfield, Oregon, provides flood risk protection to about 24,000 people. The City of Springfield and its residents and businesses are grateful for the on-going support of Congresswoman Hoyle through the Water Resources Development Act and other venues as the City works to improve the Levee's ability to continue providing flood protection for another 65 years." - Kenneth Vogeney, PE, Emergency Manager and 42nd Street Levee Project Manager for the City of Springfield

Rep. Hoyle secured the following policy wins in WRDA 2026 for Oregon:

  • Creates a new Office of Technical Assistance and Community Outreach within the Army Corps to help communities more easily identify federally funding for local water resources projects, complementing Rep. Hoyle's work to establish a similar resource within the Department of Transportation

  • Helps small ports afford critical dredging projects by directing the Corps to finalize guidance directing it to cover pre-construction costs-such as surveys, engineering and permitting-needed to dredge marinas and berthing areas.

  • Directs the Corps to prioritize and complete the Springfield 42nd Street Levee feasibility study, which was cancelled without notice, so the federal government and city can modernize the aging earthen levee to bring it up to current safety standards.

  • Prevents future clamshell dredging delays by directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess barriers to timely maintenance dredging and develop strategies to improve competition and ensure more reliable project delivery.

  • Directs the Corps to more closely coordinate with communities, the state of Oregon and agencies like the Coast Guard to ensure federally authorized navigation channels are routinely dredged and prioritize the areas with the greatest need.

  • Eliminates unnecessary local cost burdens for ports along the Columbia River by clarifying that confined aquatic disposal structures - places to dispose dredged material - do not require a non-federal cost share.

  • Enhances navigation by authorizing new turning basing in the Lower Columbia River along with upgrades to the Longview turning basin to improve vessel safety and operational efficiency.

  • Strengthens Columbia River flood risk management by extending authorization for the interim pre-planned water storage agreement with Canada from 2027 to 2030, helping protect downstream communities while long-term Columbia River Treaty implementation continues.

  • Protects Corps Park Ranger jobs and public safety by limiting its ability to outsource ranger functions and ensuring park rangers remain on-site to protect visitors, federal property, infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources at Corps-managed recreation areas.

  • Reinforces the importance of direct and open communication between Corps' staff and Congress in an attempt to nullify restrictions on Corps engagement with Members of Congress.

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