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Bill

PR 26-0338

Office of District Waterways Management Establishment Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Charles Allen

D.C. creates Office of District Waterways Management via emergency resolution to coordinate Potomac, Anacostia, and Rock Creek governance.

Resolution R26-0214, Effective from Oct 07, 2025 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 011426
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Bill Summary · PR 26-0338

Legislative bill overview

This resolution establishes an Office of District Waterways Management in Washington, D.C. and declares the creation of this office an emergency matter. The office would be responsible for managing and coordinating policies related to the District's waterways, including the Potomac River, Anacostia River, and Rock Creek.

Why is this important

The District's waterways face ongoing challenges including water quality issues, flooding, recreational access, and environmental restoration. Creating a dedicated office centralizes waterway management across multiple agencies and establishes a single point of accountability for addressing these interconnected problems that affect public health, safety, and quality of life.

Potential points of contention

  • Emergency declaration justification: The "emergency" designation allows faster implementation but may raise questions about whether the urgency is genuinely warranted or procedurally motivated
  • Jurisdictional overlap: Multiple existing agencies already manage waterway-related functions; unclear how the new office will coordinate with or potentially duplicate efforts from existing departments
  • Funding and staffing: No details provided on budget requirements, staffing levels, or whether resources will be redirected from existing agencies versus newly allocated

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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