As the nation looks forward to a promising year in 2026, there is a growing sense of urgency to modernize the Nation's inland waterways lock and dam infrastructure. Since 1987, only 10 projects have been completed, with seven started between 1987 and 1997, at an average cost overrun of 33%.
The Corps of Engineers has struggled with execution challenges, despite increased funding from the bipartisan infrastructure bill of 2021. A recent HDR study recommends treating the inland navigation waterways as a system, creating a centralized program management office, and improving cost estimations and value engineering.
WCI calls for revoking Executive Order 12322, which creates an inefficient bureaucratic bottleneck, and passing the FY26 Energy & Water Development appropriations bill to fund the Corps of Engineers. The House has released text for a three-bill funding package that includes E&WD, providing nearly $400 million for inland navigation construction.
However, if the House and Senate fail to pass the minibus, Congress will need to pass another stop-gap funding measure, which could lead to another full-year Continuing Resolution. With the start of the new year comes opportunity for change and improvement, and it must begin now for the Nation's inland waterways.
The inland waterways infrastructure modernization requires a comprehensive approach that addresses execution challenges, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and funding uncertainty. By treating the system as a whole and implementing standardized designs, cost estimations, and value engineering, the Corps can improve project delivery and reduce risks.
