On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced he voted to pass the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA.) This critical, bipartisan legislation serves as a step towards bringing Federal funding for several water resource and flood control projects to Illinois’s 17th Congressional District. When the process is complete, over $25 million in Federal funding could come to the District, as well as renewed support from United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for future evaluations, surveys, and other projects across IL-17.
“Our neighbors should never have to wonder if the water they are drinking is clean, or to worry their sewer system could back-up at a moment’s notice,” said Congressman Sorensen. “I am glad that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle could join together, advance this critical legislation, and forge a path toward making a real difference in our communities. But the work doesn’t end here. I look forward to working with everyone to ensure these transformative projects go from plans-and-dreams to shovels-in-the-ground.”
The most recent WRDA, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, was signed into law on January 4, 2025. Congress has enacted a bipartisan WRDA every two years since 2014, making the upcoming bill the seventh consecutive bipartisan WRDA. The 2026 WRDA contains authorizations for numerous projects across the Country. It does not appropriate any Federal dollars.
Included in this package are authorizations for the following communities:
• $15 million for a clearwell replacement in East Moline
• $8 million for water treatment plant and water supply infrastructure improvements in South Pekin
• $1.5 million for Linn Street lift station replacement in Port Byron
• $1 million for sewer relocation and water infrastructure replacement in Shannon.
Additionally, this legislation contains language that could potentially transfer jobs from the United States Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters at Rock Island Arsenal (USACE-RIA HQ), something Congressman Sorensen is deeply opposed to.
“While it remains unclear what the exact impact will be on USACE-RIA HQ and our Quad Cities communities, I am deeply disappointed this provision was included in a bill designed to do so much good for our region,” continued Sorensen. “I believe the projects supported in this legislation make a compelling case for our continued support of USACE-RIA HQ. I will continue to be a strong advocate for it in Congress.”