Special City Council Workshop on Inner Harbor Desalination Contract - April 10, 2026

On April 10, 2026, the Corpus Christi City Council convened a Special Workshop at the request of Mayor Paulette Guajardo to provide a public update on the Inner Harbor Desalination project and contract. The workshop, which featured presentations from city staff and project partners, was intended to ensure transparency and accountability on the timeline, costs, and outstanding issues. No formal votes were taken, consistent with the workshop format.

Public Comments & Testimony

• As a workshop, no formal public comment was solicited. Multiple council members referenced significant public interest and scrutiny from national media. Mayor Guajardo addressed individuals in the audience regarding disruptive behavior, underscoring the meeting's livestreamed and public nature.

Discussion Items

• Contract Execution Date: City Manager Peter Zanoni committed to presenting the finalized design-build contract for City Council consideration on April 28, 2026. He noted Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) review of SWIFT loan compliance is a caveat, estimating a two-week review period.
• Project Cost & Financing: Staff presented a total project cost of $978.77 million, a 25% reduction from the $1.3 billion Kiewit proposal rejected earlier. Currently, $757 million in TWDB SWIFT loans are secured. Staff expressed confidence in obtaining a third SWIFT loan to cover the gap. Councilwoman Paxton clarified these are loans repaid with interest by ratepayers, not grants. Councilman Scott requested a conversation on the potential cost of expediting construction to deliver water sooner than November 2029.
• Timeline: The projected delivery of water was updated from October 2029 to November 2029.
• Farfield Modeling Study: Conducted by Sferos, this is described as the most comprehensive study ever of the Corpus Christi Bay system, including the ship channel and Nueces Bay. Draft findings on salinity and temperature are expected by April 28, but a full report including dynamic simulation is not due until June. Councilwoman Vaughan and Councilman Hernandez stressed this study was crucial for making an informed decision.
• PFAS/PFOS Concerns: Councilman Hernandez brought forward significant concerns regarding PFOS contamination in the Inner Harbor. He requested written guarantees on removal via reverse osmosis. Staff confirmed PFOS is not part of the current Farfield model scope. Staff promised a formal response on PFOS testing and removal guarantees by the April 28 meeting.
• Alternative Water Projects: Several council members highlighted the city's progress on projects like the Evangeline Laguna pipeline, brackish water wells, and wastewater reuse, which staff said totals 76 MGD in supply. Councilman Hernandez argued this council has secured more water than any previous council and that the near-term curtailment risk was caused by years of inaction.
• Staff Resources: Councilwoman Paxton questioned the staff time spent on the meeting, noting the project timeline was not accelerated. Mayor Guajardo defended the workshop as essential for public transparency and accountability.

Key Outcomes

• Confirmed Vote Date: The City Council is scheduled to vote on the final contract for the Inner Harbor Desalination project on April 28, 2026.
• Action Items for Staff: Staff was directed to provide formal memos on 1) PFOS/PFAS removal guarantees and testing data, 2) cost-to-ratepayer analysis (ranges with and without additional SWIFT funding), and 3) details on debt defeasance and comparisons of debt vs. long-term lease obligations.
• Farfield Modeling Schedule: Farfield committee meetings are set for April 15 and 23. Sferos will present draft findings on April 28, with the full report to be delivered in June 2026.
• Public Discourse: The debate revealed a divided council, with some members (Mayor Guajardo, Councilman Budetta) framing the project as an urgent necessity following a year of delay, and others (Councilwoman Vaughn, Councilman Hernandez, Councilman Roy) insisting on completing due diligence, including the Farfield study and PFOS analysis, before any vote.