Guthrie Votes in Favor of Legislation Authorizing Improvements in Kentucky Water Infrastructure Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) issued the following statement after the House passage of H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 this week. H.R. 9497 would reauthorize and update the Water Resources Development Act to support water infrastructure projects nationwide, including navigation, flood and storm risk management, and environmental restoration.

“Being located along the Ohio River and its tributaries, Kentucky’s Second District is no stranger to the importance of safe and reliable water infrastructure. Today, the House took an important step in securing the next generation of water infrastructure improvements in passing the Water Resources Development Act of 2026,” said Congressman Guthrie. “I am especially proud to report that this legislation includes authorization for two projects within our district, including a modification to a feasibility study for flood mitigation in Bullitt and Jefferson Counties as well as to expedite the completion of riverbank erosion mitigation in the City of Brandenburg. I am glad to see the House take bipartisan action to invest in our water infrastructure, which is essential to the well-being and economic vitality of communities across Kentucky.”

Background: 

• WRDA is typically passed every two years, providing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with congressional authorization to conduct studies and carry out support to water infrastructure projects nationwide, including navigation, flood and storm risk management, and environmental restoration. This legislation would authorize 133 new feasibility studies or modifications to existing feasibility studies and 14 projects ready for construction.
• H.R. 9497 includes the authorization for two projects within Kentucky’s Second District as requested by Congressman Guthrie. 
  • Flood mitigation in Bullitt and Jefferson Counties: This project study would expand the ability of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District to collaborate with the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District to better provide adequate protection against increasingly severe storms and floods.
  • Expedited completion of a project related to riverbank stabilization in the City of Brandenburg: This project would provide authorization for the expedited completion of mitigating significant bank erosion along the Ohio River in the City of Brandenburg, which is currently threatening critical infrastructure in the city. 

Full text of H.R. 9497 can be found HERE.