Posted on March 2, 2026
Several senators used the hearing to press the Corps for project‑level detail and timelines for high‑profile coastal and regional projects.
Senator Alex Padilla described San Francisco’s coastal flood risk and asked how the Corps can complete a chief’s report and keep the project on track; Lt. Gen. Graham said the total project cost range the Corps had estimated this week was “somewhere between $17 and $32 billion” and advocated breaking very large projects into smaller 35 percent design‑maturity features that can be authorized and funded in stages.
Senator Schiff pressed the Corps about the Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration Project and a post‑authorization change (PAC) report that the Corps previously said would be ready for WRDA 2026; General Graham acknowledged the Corps could not meet that commitment on the current schedule and said assembling a viable plan has proved difficult.
Senator Kelly asked about Rio De Flag (Flagstaff) and the Winslow Levy Project; Graham said the Rio De Flag director’s report is scheduled for May and that Winslow — which was authorized at low design maturity — could not be reauthorized in time for WRDA 2026 and is more likely to be ready for WRDA 2028.
Members also raised limits in dredging capacity and the national contracting approach for dredging. Tell said the Corps will change procurement to treat dredging more nationally rather than in regional silos to reduce transit time and increase time spent dredging in harbors. Senators asked about Poplar Island (Chesapeake Bay) capacity and Tell said the Corps will pursue expansion and beneficial use options that support Baltimore’s dredging needs.
On the Pacific Northwest, Graham said recapitalization of four Willamette hatcheries may require about $160,000,000 in capital reinvestment, and noted the Corps had about $9,400,000 in recent appropriations for a related design effort. Senators also pressed on Juneau’s glacial outburst flooding; Tell and Graham said they are pursuing short‑, medium‑ and long‑term options and plan on additional field engagement.
Witnesses pledged to continue collaboration with local sponsors and to report back to the committee on schedules and outstanding documents.
