The Inner Harbor desalination plant — a project that only weeks earlier had ground again to a halt — earned nearly one-tenth of Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo’s roughly 40-minute address before business leaders in the community on Sept. 23.
The annual event, known as State of the City, historically has included an overview of municipal activities over the past year and upcoming plans, delivered by the sitting mayor.
Guajardo’s speech covered wide ground, including investments that have been made in city infrastructure and services, such as the library, public safety and streets, but what was most prominently featured was water security and the drought.
The Inner Harbor desalination plant, she asserted, is “the most consequential step we
can take to secure our long-term water supply,” describing the city as standing “at the precipice of history.”
“We must act decisively to secure a reliable water supply, to restore disciplined planning, and protect our taxpayers, our economy and Corpus Christi's financial future,” Guajardo said. “Before us is a defining choice. We cannot allow division and uncertainty to determine our future, but we can summon the courage to shape our future.”
The journey of the Inner Harbor project’s development has been fraught. Two design contracts that would further its development were rejected by the majority of the City Council this year and last.
It’s proven to be among the most polarizing projects in recent decades.
Those voting against it have cited combinations of concerns related to its cost, potential environmental risks, capacity and its location adjacent to the historically Black and Hispanic Hillcrest neighborhood.
Supporters have contended the project has been adequately studied and that its realization is critical to maintaining the region’s economy.
Guajardo, who is seeking reelection to her post, has previously vowed to bring the project back before a new council slate in January, and proponents have voiced optimism that a different makeup of the council may better receive the proposal.
Some opponents who have voted down the contracts have in recent weeks expressed frustration that the project continues to return to the council and have suggested the possibility of putting an end to the project once and for all, possibly by terminating its environmental permitting.
Kirsten Crow covers city government and water news. Have a story idea? Contact her at kirsten.crow@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Inner Harbor desalination raised again in Corpus Christi mayor's speech
