NMMA Pushes Boating Access Priorities in Final US WRDA

The National Marine Manufacturers Association is urging US lawmakers to preserve recreational boating access and infrastructure provisions as the 2026 WRDA moves toward a final bill.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association has asked congressional leaders to retain recreational boating provisions as the House and Senate negotiate a final Water Resources Development Act for 2026. Its August 31 letter argues that public-water access depends on reliable ramps, marinas, waterways and other infrastructure managed or influenced by federal policy.

NMMA says both congressional versions recognise recreation as an important part of the US Army Corps of Engineers mission. The association is particularly concerned with deferred maintenance, aging facilities and policies that can make upgrades or investment at Corps-managed recreation sites more difficult.

Marinas and access points are central

The Senate bill includes provisions supported by NMMA on marina-policy transparency, reviews for facility improvements, recreation data coordination and deferred maintenance. It also calls for work on Great Lakes recreational boating and dredging needs, areas that can directly affect access for smaller craft.

NMMA has also highlighted proposals for clearer Corps real-estate policies and better communication with marina operators. Greater certainty around leases and infrastructure projects can influence whether facilities are able to invest in docks, ramps and other services used by recreational boaters.

Better information for boaters

Another Senate provision would coordinate Corps recreation databases with other federal agencies, with the aim of making access points and available facilities easier to identify. The legislation also includes a report on recreation fee retention and whether locally generated fees can be reinvested into heavily used sites.

Why infrastructure belongs in leisure-boat coverage

Boat ownership depends on more than the boat itself, especially for the trailerable craft that dominate the US recreational fleet. Reliable ramps, dredged channels, marinas and public access determine where boats can actually be launched and used, so the final WRDA could have practical consequences for owners as well as the marine industry.