Votes on Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus Amendment and Funding Rescheduled for September 2
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Two agenda items related to the Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus (IHWTC) – the City’s desalination initiative, originally scheduled for the August 26 City Council meeting, have been rescheduled. They will now be considered by Council on September 2.
The first item is consideration of a contract amendment for continued design up to the 60% milestone and development of the guaranteed maximum price (GMP). Council first heard this item at the July 29 meeting and voted at that time to postpone a decision for 30 days.
The other item for consideration is a financial agreement with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to accept the second tranche of IHWTC funding from the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) low interest loan program. The first receipt of these loan funds was approved in November 2024, and the deadline to approve the next round of funding is September 5.
On July 25, some Council members sent a letter to TWDB requesting clarification on the use of the SWIFT loan funds. A response to that letter was issued by TWDB on August 8. At the request of Council, City staff sent TWDB additional follow-up questions on August 18.
Given the complex nature of the agenda items and regulations on the use of TWDB loans, staff felt it was important for Council to be given the time to receive and consider the Board’s responses. The rescheduling of these votes allows for that critical time.
About the Project
The Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus represents a vital component of the City’s long-term water management strategy. Seawater desalination provides a drought-proof water supply by converting seawater into fresh drinking water through advanced treatment processes.
This landmark facility is the result of years of careful planning and collaboration with local and state partners. The approach to this project focuses on three essential priorities that benefit the community: affordability, environmental sustainability, and reliability.
For more information about the Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus project, visit https://bit.ly/3XRKev5 or contact Strategic Business Manager Rachel Esses at 361-826-7350 or rachele@cctexas.com.