U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) announced that the House of Representatives has passed H.R. 4553, the FY2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The legislation includes significant funding for projects in Texas’s 14th congressional district.
The bill allocates $9,061,000 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ construction account to deepen the Sabine-Neches Waterway from its current depth of 40 feet to a congressionally authorized depth of 48 feet, as outlined in WRDA 2014. The Sabine-Neches Waterway is considered important for addressing national security, environmental, and defense challenges due to its capacity for both military cargo and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Additionally, $5 million is directed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ investigations account for pre-construction engineering and design work on the Texas Coastal Project, also known as the Ike Dike. This initiative aims to provide coastal resiliency across Texas’s coastline by reducing flood risks and restoring ecosystems. According to estimates, this project could save $2.31 billion annually by lowering flood damage costs and would improve over 6,000 acres of coastal habitat.
The bill also includes report language supporting state funds for the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Brazos River Floodgates project. This funding would be used to construct modern floodgates along the waterway to enhance coastal resiliency and protect communities from storm surges and other disasters. The project is intended to safeguard key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and defense.
“This bill contains critical wins for Texas-14,” said Rep. Weber, “and I am proud to have fought for the priorities that were included in the bill to secure investments in energy dominance, storm resiliency, and strengthening our critical infrastructure.”
Rep. Weber has a history of electoral success in his district; he won re-election in 2024 against Rhonda Hart with nearly 69% of the vote.
