Congressman Begich Applauds House Passage of WRDA, Advances Alaska-Driven Infrastructure Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sep. 16, 2026 - Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) applauded House passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, bipartisan legislation that advances locally driven infrastructure priorities across Alaska. The legislation advances critical projects addressing flood protection, ports and harbors, coastal erosion, navigation, and marine infrastructure across the state.

"My office has worked hand in hand with communities across Alaska to identify their most pressing infrastructure needs," said Congressman Begich. "We heard directly from Alaskans about the need to move critical projects forward, and we worked to secure provisions that expedite existing projects, strengthen our ports and harbors, address flooding and coastal erosion, and improve essential water infrastructure. These are tangible results driven by Alaska priorities, and I am pleased to see them advance through the House as we work to build more robust and reliable infrastructure that keeps our supply chains moving safely and efficiently."

BACKGROUND:

WRDA 2026 advances Alaska infrastructure priorities at multiple stages of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers process, directing expedited work on key projects. These provisions reflect priorities identified by communities across Alaska and brought forward through the congressional WRDA process.

For Juneau residents, the legislation directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite its ongoing Mendenhall Glacier outburst flooding technical work and develop a recommendation for permanent, resilient flood-control mitigation addressing glacial lake outburst floods from Suicide Basin and Lake Mendenhall. The provision is intended to help move the federal response beyond temporary flood protection and toward identifying a long-term project capable of reducing the recurring threat to Mendenhall Valley residents.

Beyond Juneau, WRDA 2026 advances Corps projects and studies across Alaska focused on flood protection, ports and harbors, coastal erosion, navigation, and water infrastructure.

Key Alaska provisions include:

• Juneau - Mendenhall Glacier Outburst Flooding: Directs the Army Corps to expedite its ongoing technical work and develop a recommendation for permanent, resilient flood-control mitigation addressing glacial lake outburst flooding from Suicide Basin and Lake Mendenhall.
• Nelson Lagoon, Sitka, and Soldotna: Authorizes environmental infrastructure assistance, including $3.3 million for Nelson Lagoon, $7 million for Sitka, and $1.3 million for Soldotna for specified water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Port of Nome: Directs expedited completion of preconstruction planning, engineering, and design for port modifications.
• Homer: Advances preconstruction planning, engineering, and design for navigation improvements and expedites work on a dredged material management plan for the Homer Small Boat Harbor.
• Kodiak Harbor: Directs expedited completion of work under the Corps' Section 107 navigation program.
• Unalaska/Dutch Harbor: Expands the existing navigation feasibility study to include coastal storm risk management and shoreline erosion protection.
• Galena: Authorizes a new feasibility study for flood risk management along the Yukon River.
• Russian Creek/Bell Flats: Authorizes a new feasibility study for flood risk management and riverbank stabilization in the Kodiak Island Borough.
• Scow Bay/Petersburg: Authorizes a new navigation feasibility study supporting maritime access in the Petersburg Borough.
• Sitka: Authorizes a new coastal storm risk management feasibility study.
• Statewide Coastal Protection: Expedites preconstruction work addressing storm damage, coastal erosion, and ice and glacial damage across Alaska.
• Lowell Creek Tunnel/Seward: Authorizes modification of the feasibility study to evaluate environmental mitigation alternatives associated with existing flood-diversion infrastructure.

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