A congressman is calling on U.S. President Donald Trump to “fulfill his promise to Corpus Christi” related to water funding.
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in a Sept. 15 floor speech referenced a statement Trump had made after his public address during his visit to the Port of Corpus Christi on Feb. 27, stating that “Corpus Christi heard him clearly.”
In an interview, KIII News co-anchor Mike Gillaspia had asked the president whether there would “be resources that the federal government can bring to bear on our water crisis.”
“We’re going to do what we have to do, and we’ll get it done — there’s so many different things you can do now with water and the creation of water, including desalinization, etcetera, etcetera,” Trump said. “And as you probably
know, you have a big permit in — you have a very big ask, I have to say. It’s a big ask. This is called a serious money ask. And I’m going to get that thing approved for you guys.”
Trump did not name a particular project or funding source in his comments.
Gonzalez in his Sept. 15 floor address urged “the administration to immediately identify the federal funding available, designate the responsible agency and provide a firm timetable for delivering the support the president promised.”
“If congressional action is required, send us the request,” he said. “I am ready to work with Republicans, Democrats, state leaders and local officials to get this done. Everyone has a responsibility here. Local and state leaders must do their part, and the federal government must honor its commitment.”
Gonzalez, in his remarks, did not specify a particular water project for which he was requesting funds.
The White House press office did not immediately respond on the evening of Sept. 15 to a message sent from the Caller-Times requesting comment on Gonzalez’s remarks.
Desalination projects
There are two proposed desalination projects: the Nueces River Authority’s planned facility on Harbor Island and the city of Corpus Christi’s Inner Harbor site.
The city of Corpus Christi’s project, while still existing, has seen tumult in the past year as City Council members split support of the project, the prevailing vote often countering the plant’s development.
Among 5-4 votes was one rejecting an application for as much as $120 million in federal funding.
U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud, who said he had advocated for the grant’s ceiling to increase from $30 million to $120 million, told the council in the June 30 meeting that he and other officials had “been doing our best to partner with what you are doing to bring federal resources to the table."
Earlier this month, the majority of the council in a 5-3 vote turned down a design contract with Corpus Christi Desal Partners to advance the project, proposed to generate as much as 30 million gallons of water per day.
City Council members Carolyn Vaughn, Gil Hernandez, Sylvia Campos, Eric Cantu and Kaylynn Paxson voted against the contract.
City Councilmen Mark Scott, Everett Roy and Roland Barrera voted in favor.
Mayor Paulette Guajardo was unable to participate in the vote because she was on an unrelated 30-day suspension.
Opponents of the project have generally cited a mixture of concerns — capacity, cost, environmental and location near a neighborhood — either singularly or in combination.
Supporters have generally promoted its status as fully permitted, with the backing of $757 million in state-approved low-interest loans, and have stated that its development is integral to maintaining the regional economy.
Several council members who had voted against the contract have indicated interest in withdrawing permits for the proposed plant’s water intake and discharge, issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
The City Council is pursuing development of water projects, including reclaimed water for industrial use, additional groundwater and potentially an alternate site for a desalination plant, one proposed being near the Barney Davis Power Plant.
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: Congressman calls on Trump to provide federal funds for water projects
