City denies allegations it ignored data requests as the March 10 Evangeline/Laguna Water Project meeting approaches.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The City of Corpus Christi says it will attend a March 10 meeting coordinated by State Senator Adam Hinojosa to discuss the proposed Evangeline/Laguna Water Project, despite the City of Sinton earlier declining the invitation.

Corpus Christi officials deny Sinton’s claims that the city has failed to respond to requests for critical hydrogeological and water-quality data. 

City officials said responses have been provided through proper legal channels, with the Evangeline attorney submitting information multiple times.

“We will be at the meeting coordinated by Senator Hinojosa,” said City Manager Peter Zanoni. “We trust that the City of Sinton will be there to discuss matters and resolutions for the good of Sinton’s neighbors in San Patricio County and the greater Coastal Bend.”

The dispute stems from Sinton’s participation in ongoing proceedings with the San Patricio County Groundwater Conservation District concerning permit applications filed by Corpus Christi and Evangeline/Laguna LP. 

Sinton officials have expressed concerns that the project could significantly impact local groundwater wells.

Sinton previously sent a detailed proposal to Corpus Christi more than two weeks ago outlining steps to resolve permit issues, but said it had not received a response. 

The city also claimed repeated requests for essential water data were ignored, with Corpus Christi reportedly calling the requests “premature.”

“We cannot have honest discussions until Corpus Christi shares the data we need,” Sinton’s letter stated. “Transparency is essential before any negotiation can move forward.”

Corpus Christi officials say the city has actively engaged in mitigation efforts, including:

An Interlocal Agreement to protect Sinton’s water sourceA Management Plan regulating well usageAn amendment limiting production from the five wells closest to Sinton

Officials also noted that while Corpus Christi representatives were excluded from speaking at Sinton City Council meetings, the city has continued to provide updates and plans in good faith.

The March 10 meeting, called by Sen. Hinojosa, aims to facilitate dialogue between the cities and resolve ongoing permit issues affecting the Coastal Bend region’s water supply.