Sullivan Secures Wins for Alaska in Committee-Passed Water Infrastructure Package

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee, this week voted with all his colleagues to advance the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 from committee with a number of significant provisions for Alaska. These include provisions providing continued funding for water and sewer infrastructure in rural Alaska communities,addressing the recurring glacial lake outburst flooding in Juneau, Alaska, and offering significant cost savings for the community of Nome as it builds the nation's first Arctic deep-draft port.

"Alaska is a resource-rich but infrastructure-poor state. Building out our infrastructure is a critical way to bring down our state's high cost of living and make life more affordable for all Alaskans," said Sen. Sullivan. "My team and I worked hard to ensure this year's WRDA legislation prioritizes Alaska's infrastructure needs and delivers major investments in our communities. Among other priorities, this year's WRDA will help cut through red tape and fast-track a permanent engineering solution to the yearly threat of glacial flooding in Juneau and maintain the significant progress on our nation's first Arctic deep-water port in Nome, which will strengthen Arctic security and reduce the cost of goods for the people of Nome and communities across the region. I was also able to include provisions that focus the Corps' attention on building up the resilience of western Alaska villages that have dealt with erosion and severe storms and provide adequate funding and staffing for the Corps to fulfill its permitting duties in our vast state in a timely manner. Finally, this important legislation will also continue to deliver clean running water and flush toilets to rural communities across Alaska, an effort that I've led since I first got to the Senate. I'll be working with my colleagues to advance this legislation on the Senate floor and get it to the President's desk for his signature."

"Thanks to Senator Sullivan's steadfast efforts, the Arctic Deep Draft Port in Nome is a reality," said Nome Mayor Kenny Hughes. "Construction is underway this summer, and the provisions he has secured in the 2026 WRDA bill in today's mark-up will help to ensure that this vital infrastructure project is one step closer to supporting national security missions and the region's economy."

"This bill is critical to protecting our community from devastating flooding," said Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon. "Juneau is fighting for our very future, and we are beyond grateful to Senator Sullivan for his tenacity and leadership in that fight at the federal level."

"Throughout the years, Senator Sullivan has fought relentlessly for the Arctic Deep Draft Port," said Nome Port Director Joy Baker."His dedication and leadership have been instrumental as we have navigated the challenges that come with such a significant project, and we sincerely appreciate his vision and support."

"Access to safe, reliable water is foundational to good health and to the strength of communities across Alaska,"saidNatasha Singh, president and CEO of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. "The Water Resources Development Act will play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of many people served by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium by investing in water and sanitation. ANTHC thanks Senator Dan Sullivan for his efforts on this important legislation and for his tireless support of the people and communities we serve. We are encouraged to see the bill advancing through the legislative process and strongly support its final passage."

Regarding Alaska's priorities, Sen. Sullivan's provisions in WRDA 2026:

• Fast-track relief for the Juneau glacial outburst flooding challenge by directing the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to expedite the process and proceed directly to preconstruction planning, engineering, and design.
• Prohibit any reduction in the scope or capability of the Port of Nome project and classify its supporting infrastructure as serving a federal interest in national security, with the potential to significantly reduce the cost of the project to the local community.
• Designate the west coast of Alaska as a federal priority area, compelling the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to prioritize funding, investigations, and design to combat coastal erosion and storm surge in the aftermath of Typhoon Halong.
• Green-light new feasibility studies for KodiakHarbor, Scow Bay Harbor in Petersburg, Kodiak Island Borough flood and bank stabilization, Talkeetna flood and bank stabilization, and Unalaska coastal storm risk management.
• Direct the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to fast-track and complete ongoing feasibility studies for the HomerHarbor modification and the separate Port of NomeInner Harbor project.
• Mandate that the Corps adequately staff and resource the Alaska District's regulatory and permitting missions to account for the state's massive geography and unique circumstances.
• Secure $13.7 million in direct authorizations-working with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)-for local drinking water and wastewater projects, including $7 million for Sitka, $3.3 million for Nelson Lagoon, $2.1 million for Ouzinkie, and $1.3 million for Soldotna.
• Reauthorize the Safe Water for Small and Disadvantaged Communitiesprogram at $140 million annually and authorize $60 million annually for Alaska Native village sanitation, crucially expanding eligibility to cover emergency operations and maintenance repairs.
• Reauthorize $55 million annually for materials management infrastructure, alongside $30 million annually for drinking water, wastewater, and Trash Free Waters grants-programs and grants established by Sen. Sullivan's 2020 Save Our Seas 2.0 Act.
• Mandate a report on how to incorporate commercial fish landings into the Corps' benefit-cost metrics in Alaska, breaking down barriers that have historically disadvantaged Alaska harbor projects.
• Mandate a 90-day report on the Corps' implementation of Executive Order 14153, including a review of staffing and the implementation of Alaska's resource development priorities.

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