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WRDA 2026: NAFSMA Advances Key Project Delivery Provisions

NAFSMA is working with Congressional committee staff on WRDA 2026 provisions addressing alternative project delivery, Section 408 reform, and real estate acquisition streamlining.

February 15, 2026Sunny Simpkins4 min read

NAFSMA is actively engaged in the WRDA 2026 legislative cycle, working with Congressional committee staff to develop provisions that address the most pressing project delivery challenges facing member agencies.

Key Provisions Under Development

NAFSMA's WRDA 2026 advocacy focuses on several critical areas:

Alternative Project Delivery — Expanding authorities for non-federal sponsors to advance project components ahead of the traditional federal timeline, reducing delays that have historically extended project completion by years.

Section 408 Permitting Reform — Streamlining the process by which non-federal entities seek USACE permission to modify civil works projects. The current Section 408 review process has caused significant delays for member agency maintenance and improvement projects.

Real Estate Acquisition — Simplifying federal requirements for land acquisition that have created bottlenecks in project delivery for non-federal sponsors.

Technical Review Coordination — Improving coordination between USACE district offices and non-federal sponsors during project review to reduce redundant review cycles.

What Member Agencies Should Know

WRDA 2026 project request portals are open for member agency submissions. Agencies with authorized or pending USACE projects should review current provisions and identify opportunities to address project-specific challenges through legislative language.

NAFSMA's Legislative Committee is coordinating member agency input and developing detailed provision language for Congressional consideration. Contact NAFSMA staff to discuss your agency's WRDA priorities.

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