Support for S. 4949, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026

Dear Chair Capito and Ranking Member Whitehouse:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports S. 4949, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, and commends your bipartisan leadership in advancing legislation unanimously through Committee to strengthen America's water resources infrastructure, improve project delivery, and support long-term economic growth.

WRDA remains one of Congress' most effective tools for building the modern, resilient infrastructure our economy requires. America's waterways, ports, flood protection systems, water supply projects, and related infrastructure help move commerce, protect communities, strengthen supply chains, and keep our nation competitive.

S. 4949 advances practical policies that would reduce delays, improve coordination, and give non-federal sponsors greater certainty. The Chamber is particularly encouraged by provisions to streamline permitting and project delivery; strengthen navigation and inland waterways; advance flood resilience; and drought preparedness.

The Chamber also supports the bill's drinking water and wastewater provisions, including improvements to the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds and programs focused on water reuse. We are pleased that S. 4949 would strengthen EPA's Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) as a proven tool for financing large-scale water infrastructure, including efforts reflected in the DROUGHT Act to better support underserved communities facing water scarcity.

The Chamber encourages Congress to support the Corps' WIFIA program and preserve its ability to assist flood risk management, water reuse, water supply and storage, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects involving non-federal sponsors.

S. 4949 is a timely opportunity to modernize water resources policy, accelerate infrastructure delivery, and build stronger, safer, and more competitive communities. We urge the full Senate to approve this bipartisan legislation as soon as possible.

Sincerely

Marty Durbin
President, Global Energy Institute
Senior Vice President, Policy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce