H.R. 10386119th CongressIntroduced Sep 15, 2026

To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to increase the amount and purposes of funds authorized for the Secretary of the Army to carry out water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Toledo and Oregon, Ohio, and for other purposes.

IntroducedWater Resources DevelopmentSubstantive

Sponsor: Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9]
Committees: Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
Last action: Sep 15, 2026

Bottom line

This bill quadruples federal funding authorization and expands project eligibility for critical water infrastructure improvements in two Ohio cities.

What it actually does

This bill amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to significantly increase the authorized federal funding for water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Toledo and Oregon, Ohio, from $10.5 million to $45 million. It also broadens the scope of eligible projects to explicitly include stormwater management, water supply, and environmental restoration, in addition to existing wastewater infrastructure.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that this bill is crucial for addressing aging water infrastructure, improving public health, and protecting local ecosystems in Toledo and Oregon, Ohio. They contend that the increased funding and expanded project scope will allow these communities to tackle pressing issues like stormwater runoff, ensure clean drinking water, and restore environmental quality more effectively.

Opponents contend

Critics might argue that while infrastructure improvements are necessary, increasing federal authorizations for specific local projects could set a precedent for earmarks or lead to inefficient allocation of national resources. They might also question the overall federal budget impact or suggest that local communities should bear a larger share of these costs.

The bill is exceptionally short and can be read in under a minute, making it highly accessible for anyone to understand its direct provisions.

Section 1. Toledo and Oregon, Ohio, Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Modification.

Increased Authorization and Expanded Scope for Water Infrastructure Projects

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision amends existing law to raise the maximum amount of federal funds authorized for water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Toledo and Oregon, Ohio, from $10,500,000 to $45,000,000. Additionally, it expands the types of projects eligible for this funding to explicitly include stormwater management, water supply initiatives, and environmental restoration efforts, alongside traditional wastewater infrastructure.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupResidents of Toledo and Oregon, OhioImpactImproved public health, access to clean water, reduced flooding, enhanced environmental quality.MechanismFederal funding for local infrastructure projects.ScaleDirect impact on two specific municipalities.

GroupLocal governments in Toledo and Oregon, OhioImpactIncreased capacity to undertake critical infrastructure projects, financial relief.MechanismDirect federal authorization for project funding.ScaleSignificant financial boost for local government initiatives.

GroupFederal taxpayersImpactPotential increased federal spending.MechanismAuthorization of federal funds.Scale$34.5 million increase in authorized spending.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that the current authorization is insufficient to meet the pressing infrastructure needs of Toledo and Oregon, Ohio. The increased funding and expanded scope are vital to address issues like aging water systems, frequent stormwater overflows, and the need for robust water supply management and environmental restoration, ultimately benefiting public health and local economies.

Critics contend

Critics might contend that such a significant increase in a specific earmark, even for necessary infrastructure, could be viewed as an inefficient use of federal funds or could divert resources from other equally deserving projects nationwide. They might also argue that local governments should bear a greater financial responsibility for their own infrastructure.

Tradeoffs

The primary tension involves balancing specific local infrastructure needs with broader federal budget priorities and the principle of equitable resource distribution across all states and communities. There's also a tradeoff between immediate local benefit and potential concerns about federal spending practices.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.