Press Items: Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa — District 20

Austin, TX — Today, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved two grant agreements with the City of Corpus Christi totaling $46 million. These grants are a part of a statewide directive in Senate Bill 1 requiring TWDB to use $581 million from the General Revenue Fund appropriated in House Bill 500 to provide funding for 34 infrastructure, flood, wastewater, and water-supply projects across Texas. House Bill 500 was passed last year during the 89th Regular Session and was co-sponsored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa.

The first grant is for $30 million, which will support the Nueces River Groundwater Wells Project. This project is a two-phase initiative intended to diversify the region’s water supply and improve drought resilience. During phase one, the Corpus Christi will develop eight groundwater wells near the Nueces River to enable the existing pumping station to deliver an additional 10 million gallons per day (MGD) using existing infrastructure. Phase Two will expand capacity by acquiring property for a second well field, drilling more wells, and adding conveyance infrastructure, ultimately increasing the total yield to 34 MGD.

The Board also approved a $16 million grant for the Mary Rhodes Pipeline Upgrades Project. This project will support assessments and targeted improvements to a system that delivers raw water to the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant for municipal, industrial, and wholesale customers. The project includes a comprehensive condition and capacity assessment of the Mary Rhodes Pipeline System and upgrades at the Bloomington and Woodsboro Booster Pump Stations, addressing electrical, mechanical, structural, instrumentation, HVAC, and power needs to enhance reliability and efficiency.

State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa expressed his support, stating, “These grants represent a major investment in Corpus Christi’s long-term water security—strengthening supply reliability, improving system resilience, and helping protect families and businesses from the impacts of persistent drought. I commend the leadership of Representative Denise Villalobos who took the lead in submitting the budget rider and appreciate the support of our Coastal Bend legislative delegation to secure these funds in the budget. I also appreciate City of Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo and city staff for their tireless work during the session to inform members about the water issues we face in the Coastal Bend. We will continue working together to ensure that our families have the water they need and our business can continue to thrive.”

###