Davids Calls for Stronger Water Infrastructure to Reduce Flooding Risks

July 14, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during a U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) , Representative Sharice Davids underscored the critical importance of investing in water infrastructure for Kansas communities facing both flooding and drought conditions. “Water infrastructure is not abstract for Kansas families — it’s personal,” said Davids . “From severe flooding in eastern Kansas that damages homes and roads to drought conditions in western Kansas that strain agriculture and local water supplies, our communities depend on smart, reliable investments. I’m focused on making sure Kansas has the tools it needs to manage both extremes and protect families, farmers, and local economies.” WATCH : Davids speaks on protecting Kansas communities from extreme flooding and drought WRDA is the primary federal legislation that authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water infrastructure projects, including flood control, levees, dams, navigation systems, and ecosystem restoration. For Kansas, these investments directly impact communities that regularly face weather extremes — helping reduce flood risk, improve water management, and strengthen long-term resilience. In 2024, Davids’ WRDA request was successfully passed , saving Kansas taxpayers $41 million in water contracts. This update provides significant financial relief for Kansas, benefiting municipalities, industries, and water supply districts relying on these reservoirs. It also ensures a more affordable and reliable water supply for residents and businesses, addressing the challenges of ongoing drought and extreme weather. Davids has consistently advocated for flood safety, including securing investments for the national levee safety initiative and advancing solutions to help Kansas communities respond to increasingly extreme weather . In partnership with local governments, she has also helped secure federal funding to address flooding in Princeton and support the Upper Turkey Creek levee project in Merriam. During the markup, Davids championed an amendment to make U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contracting rules more consistent across different types of projects. Right now, similar engineering work is treated differently depending on whether it’s for military construction or civil water projects like flood control and levees. Her amendment would update the rules, so the Corps uses the same approach in both cases, helping them hire the best qualified experts more efficiently and deliver projects more effectively for communities. “The American Council of Engineering Companies applauds Representative Davids for her leadership on this important issue. Engineering firms in Kansas and across the country provide unique and specialized skills in the delivery of Army Corps’ civil works projects,” said The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) . “Rep. Davids’ amendment, which is modeled on NDAA 2024 language that is now law, would fix an outdated policy and provide the Corps with greater flexibility to negotiate contracts with private sector partners to deliver projects to the public.” Issues : Transportation & Infrastructure