Sponsors (2)
The bill creates a central Corps office to speed access to water‑supply and drought resilience support for state and local partners, trading off added federal administrative costs and short‑term operational risks as Corps staff and resources are reallocated to set up and run the office.
State and local governments and non‑Federal water users (including nonprofits) get a dedicated Army Corps office to help them access programs and technical guidance to expand water supply and improve drought resilience.
State and local governments may see Corps projects and reallocation studies move faster because the office must coordinate, clear backlogs, and report status to Congress.
Taxpayers and state governments could benefit from improved budget review that helps the Directorate of Civil Works evaluate and inform budget requests for water supply and drought work, potentially increasing program resources.
Corps of Engineers districts and regional projects may experience temporary personnel gaps or delays if staff are reassigned to establish and run the new office, slowing local project delivery.
Corps of Engineers staff time could be diverted to mandated reporting and coordination duties for the new office, reducing time available for on‑the‑ground project work and delivery.
Taxpayers may face higher federal administrative costs to establish, staff, and operate the new office.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a Corps Office to coordinate water supply, conservation, reallocation studies, and drought resiliency and requires a report to Congress within two years.
Official title: Establish an Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resiliency within the Directorate of Civil Works in the Corps of Engineers, and for other purposes.
Introduced July 14, 2026 by Raphael Gamaliel Warnock · Last progress July 14, 2026
Creates an Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resiliency within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Directorate of Civil Works and requires the Corps to staff it, provide administrative and budget support, and name a Program Manager within 180 days. The office must identify and evaluate opportunities using Corps authorities to promote water supply, conservation, and drought resilience; assist non‑Federal interests in accessing Corps programs; coordinate backlog reallocation studies and surplus water contracts; conduct outreach; and report to Congress on establishment progress and the status of Corps water supply projects within two years.