This Week in Federal Flood and Stormwater Policy

FY 2027 appropriations are moving on both sides of the Capitol, with USACE Civil Works funding under active markup and the BUILD America 250 Act clearing committee — developments with direct implications for flood infrastructure investment. Meanwhile, EPA's proposed extension of PFAS compliance deadlines and ongoing NFIP and WIFIA legislation continue to demand attention from member agencies.

Highlights

FY 2027 USACE & Energy/Water Appropriations. The House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee advanced its FY 2027 bill on May 15, followed by full committee action on May 20. The Senate Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee held hearings the same day examining USACE and Bureau of Reclamation budget justifications. Member agencies should track both markups closely as USACE Civil Works funding levels take shape for the coming fiscal year.

BUILD America 250 Act. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee cleared the BUILD America 250 Act on May 21. While details are still emerging, the bill's infrastructure investment framing has potential relevance for flood control and stormwater capital programs. NAFSMA is monitoring provisions that could affect project delivery and federal cost-share structures.

PFAS MCL Compliance Deadline Extension. EPA published a proposed rule on May 20 to extend the compliance deadline for PFOA and PFOS maximum contaminant levels. Member agencies managing stormwater systems with PFAS exposure or operating drinking water infrastructure should review the proposed timeline and assess whether to submit comments.

NFIP Extension & Flood Insurance Legislation. Two bills on NAFSMA's watchlist — S-1015 (NFIP extension through December 31, 2026) and HR-5848 (retroactive renewal and reauthorization) — remain active as the current authorization horizon approaches. Continued short-term extensions without structural reform leave member agencies and policyholders in a cycle of uncertainty; NAFSMA continues to advocate for a durable reauthorization.

WIFIA Eligibility Restoration (HR-3035 / S-1760). Companion bills in both chambers to amend the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act's budgetary treatment remain on NAFSMA's high-priority watchlist. Restoring WIFIA eligibility is critical for member agencies seeking low-cost federal financing for large-scale flood and stormwater capital projects.

Upcoming: Safety Grates Webinar & 2026 Annual Meeting. NAFSMA's members-only webinar on storm drain safety grates is scheduled for June 10. The 2026 Annual Meeting — Grounded in Mission: Leading Through Complexity — convenes July 13–16 at the Graduate Hotel in Annapolis, MD. Appropriations developments and WRDA 2026 progress are expected to feature prominently on the program.

For policy depth on any of these items, visit nafsma.org/policy. Annual Meeting registration is open at nafsma.org/events.

Excerpt: FY 2027 USACE appropriations are moving through both chambers as the BUILD America 250 Act clears committee — NAFSMA breaks down what's at stake for flood and stormwater infrastructure funding this week.