A South Texas water dispute is back in the national spotlight after U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez publicly called on President Donald Trump to follow through on a promise.
Here's what to know
During a Tuesday House floor speech, Gonzalez renewed his call for water funding and pointed to remarks Trump made during his February visit to the Port of Corpus Christi. "Corpus Christi heard him clearly," he said, according to the Corpus Christi Caller Times.
The Caller Times reported Trump said, "I'm going to get that thing approved for you guys," after being asked by KIII co-anchor Mike Gillaspia whether there would "be resources that the federal government can bring to bear on our water crisis."
The president did not back that statement with a particular project or funding source.
Gonzalez urged action to get a "firm timetable," saying: "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."
In the fast-growing coastal region, families, workers, and industries need reliant infrastructure to keep water flowing.
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More background
Two desalination projects have been proposed in Corpus Christi, including the Nueces River Authority's planned facility on Harbor Island and the City of Corpus Christi's proposed Inner Harbor plant.
The city's project has faced increasing uncertainty over the past year as City Council members have repeatedly split over whether to advance it. In June, the council voted 5-4 to reject an application for up to $120 million in federal funding.
U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud, who said he had advocated for increasing the grant ceiling from $30 million to $120 million, told the council during its June 30 meeting that he and other officials had been working to bring federal resources to the project.
Earlier this month, the council voted 5-3 against a design contract with Corpus Christi Desal Partners which would have advanced plans for a facility capable of producing up to 30 million gallons of water per day.
Even though the project has already acquired all its permits, secured $757 million in state-approved low-interest loans, and is crucial to the region's long-term water supply and economy, many are concerned about the plant's capacity, cost, environmental impacts, and proposed location near a residential neighborhood.
What's being done?
The city is pursuing other options to expand its water supply in the meantime, including reclaimed water for industrial use, additional groundwater resources, and a potential alternative location for a desalination facility near the Barney Davis Power Plant.
Where can I learn more?
Corpus Christi's federal funding question shows how water decisions can shape what communities can build and afford. The stories below show how similar decisions are playing out in Texas, Missouri, and Florida.
• In Texas, residents said a $4,500 meter demand threatened to cut off water service.
• Missouri lawmakers advanced strict conditions on water exports as drought fears intensified.
• Missouri agriculture groups backed legislation with clean water enforcement consequences in a contested bill.
• Florida lawmakers moved to ban a longstanding additive from drinking water, citing liberty.
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