City Statement: Regarding the Northside Aquatic Center

A construction contract for the Northside Aquatic Center is scheduled for consideration by the City Council on February 17, 2026.

The Northside Aquatic Center is not a new discretionary project. It is a required mitigation commitment stemming from a 2015 Title VI civil rights complaint related to the Harbor Bridge Project. Following a federal investigation conducted under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Port of Corpus Christi, the Corpus Christi Housing Authority, and the City of Corpus Christi entered into a Voluntary Resolution Agreement and related Four Party Agreement to resolve the complaint.

As part of that binding agreement, specific mitigation measures were required to address impacts to the Hillcrest and Washington-Coles neighborhoods. The former TC Ayers pool was demolished as part of the new Harbor Bridge construction. The reestablishment of a neighborhood pool was identified as a core mitigation commitment and remains a required component of the agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, any deviation from approved mitigation measures requires review and approval by the FHWA Office of Civil Rights.

Importantly, these mitigation commitments are tied to the Harbor Bridge Project timeline and must be fulfilled prior to the complete demolition of the existing bridge structure. Approving this construction contract ensures the City remains in compliance with federal obligations and with the project's sequencing requirements.

The City recognizes that current drought conditions and the potential for a water emergency are serious concerns for residents. Water conservation efforts will continue as necessary. At the same time, the City must meet its legal and federally mandated commitments.