Houston, Texas – (July 27, 2026) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, applauds the ongoing bipartisan advancement of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. This follows unanimous approval by both the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
The legislation approves important investments and policy updates to support the nation’s ports, inland waterways, flood protection, drinking water, wastewater systems, and other water projects.
As Congress continues considering this legislation, WRDA 2026 highlights the need to maintain and update the infrastructure that communities, industries, and the economy rely on daily. The House bill provides for over 130 new feasibility studies and moves forward with projects ready to build, while the Senate version renews key drinking water and wastewater programs at the EPA. These discrepancies must be resolved before final passage.
For AMPP members, this legislation shows that the federal government recognizes resilient infrastructure needs more than just new construction. It also depends on long-term protection, maintenance, and performance. AMPP professionals help extend the life of infrastructure through protective coatings, corrosion control, inspections, material selection, and asset integrity management. Their work helps lower costs over time and keeps the public safe.
"The bipartisan support for WRDA 2026 shows that more people understand resilient infrastructure needs long-term planning and steady investment," said Ernst Toussaint, Vice President of Civil Infrastructure at AMPP. "Every bridge, lock, dam, levee, water treatment plant, and navigation structure included in this bill will depend on effective corrosion prevention, protective coatings, inspections, and materials engineering to achieve its intended design life, improve resilience, and reduce long-term maintenance costs. This legislation gives AMPP members real chances to use their skills to protect important infrastructure and help communities get the most from these investments for years to come."
AMPP has always supported policies that make the nation’s infrastructure stronger, more reliable, and more sustainable through standards, training, certification, and technical expertise. As WRDA 2026 advances through Congress, AMPP looks forward to working with policymakers, government agencies, and industry partners to help ensure these important investments last and deliver real value.
To learn more about AMPP’s legislative priorities, visit Legislative Agenda - AMPP.
ABOUT AMPP
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is a global leader dedicated to the protection of assets and the performance of industrial and natural materials. Established in 2021, AMPP brings together nearly 150 years of combined expertise from legacy organizations to advance solutions that enhance safety, security, and sustainability across industries. Serving more than 42,000 members in over 150 countries, AMPP is the largest organization of its kind, providing innovative standards, certifications, training, and resources. Headquartered in the United States with offices in Houston and Pittsburgh, AMPP also operates regional offices in Brazil, Canada, China, Dubai (training center), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. www.ampp.org