Cole Votes in Favor of Water Resources Development Act of 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026:

“Last night, the House voted in a bipartisan manner to address important water resource needs throughout our nation. This legislation will improve water resources infrastructure across our nation, grow the American economy, build and maintain safe waterways, improve flood protection, and more,” said Congressman Cole. “I’d like to thank House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves of Missouri for his work on this legislation, as it will deliver much needed benefits to so many American communities, including the Fourth District of Oklahoma.”

Oklahoma District Four Wins in H.R. 9497

• Increased the authorization from $15 million to $20 million for the Midwest City Water Infrastructure Project for a new water tank and booster pump station.
• $45 million in authorization for construction of new water lines from Oklahoma City to Newcastle, Tuttle, Goldsby, and Blanchard. This will help allow for a more regionalized water system in the area that will keep rates lower and reduce maintenance over time.
• Arbuckle-Timbered Hills Aquifer Recharge and Regional Water Supply Feasibility Study, which will evaluate storage capacity and recharge potential, assess opportunities for managed aquifer recharge and aquifer storage to serve communities in Lawton and at Fort Sill.

###