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Opening remarks, as prepared, of Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA) from today’s hearing, entitled, “Water Resources Development Act of 2026: Stakeholder Priorities”:

Today’s hearing is the first of a series that this subcommittee will hold before drafting a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) for 2026. To kick off the WRDA 2026 process, today we have the opportunity to hear from stakeholders from across the nation about the importance of Army Corps Civil Works programs and maintaining a consistent two-year WRDA schedule.

WRDA is one of the most important pieces of legislation we work to draft and pass here at the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and we are proud to do so regularly. Every two years since 2014, Congress has passed a bipartisan, consensus WRDA bill into law, helping communities across the country. I look forward to working once again with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue this important tradition.

WRDA is a critical vehicle to meet the water resources needs in communities nationwide. Reliable water navigation systems allow for the safe and efficient shipping of cargo, fueling our economy. Levees protect homes and businesses from flooding. Dams and reservoirs, like Lake Lanier in Georgia – where I grew up visiting with my family – also provide flood control for communities, electricity, and opportunities for recreation.

WRDA 2024 included several important provisions for water needs in the State of Georgia and the country as a whole. Specifically, WRDA 2024 authorized a feasibility study for Tybee Island ecosystem restoration and storm damage risk reduction and modified the feasibility studies for Savannah Harbor and New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, updating these prior authorizations to effectively and efficiently meet changing needs.

In Georgia, 2025 was the busiest year on record for the Port of Savannah, and the Port of Brunswick became America’s number one port for automobiles. A consistent two-year WRDA process is essential in helping our ports keep up with growing demand and grow our nation’s economy.

An important part of the WRDA process is the partnership between the federal government, non-federal partners, and stakeholders, who come together to solve local water resources needs. It is great to see a panel of witnesses today representing diverse interests and geographic areas, but who are brought together not only by water resources issues, but also by the solutions that WRDAs can provide.

I look forward to hearing from each of you today on the importance of WRDA in assisting with flood control, inland waterway navigation, coastal restoration, beach renourishment, and ensuring safe movement of goods through maritime transportation.  

Click here for more information from today’s hearing, including video and witness testimony.