CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Members of the Corpus Christi City Council attended a presentation on the proposed Harbor Island Desalination Project.
Several options were under consideration for delivering water to users.
However, Port of Corpus Christi Chairman Charlie Zahn said that no decision had been made regarding the preferred option for commissioners due to the absence of a price tag.
"I believe, from my knowledge of desalination facilities that have been built in California, the Kay Bailey Hutchison facility that was built in El Paso, the structures that we have sent commissioners to look at in Israel and Saudi Arabia then that cost is probably going to approach $1 billion," he said.
Zahn said that the port intends to supply this water directly to industrial users rather than adding it to the city's water system.
"If we create water, non-potable water, that's good for industrial use and send that to industry then the water that the industry was using was potable and is now available for that growth for the City Of Corpus Christi and the future," he said.
The city's preference is to construct a desalination plant at the inner harbor and integrate its water supply into the city's water system. Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni noted that the project's cost has increased, which is why he's seeking additional funding.
"The $220 million is several years old now and with the escalation in material costs and inflation that we have seen in the last year or two we know it will be more," he said. "That's why we're looking for the land bureau to help us with a grant, how much more do you think? We are not too sure yet I don't want to throw a number out there."
Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo emphasized that the city is focused on affordability when addressing the port commission.
"Do you know Commissioner one of the biggest things that the City of Corpus Christi and the city Council focuses on is the rate payer," she said.
Zahn mentioned that Corpus Christi's desalination plans are tailored for the near future.
"We need to go back to the state to look for appropriations to help us with that project," he said.
Zahn said that Corpus Christi's desalination plans are designed for the immediate future.
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