Corpus Christi moving forward with Evangeline Water Project

The Evangeline project is currently at a standstill, with Corpus Christi and Sinton awaiting the next hearing before an administrative law judge. Corpus Christi Councilman Gil Hernandez said the next hearing has not yet been scheduled.

Sinton has challenged permits associated with drilling and transporting water from the Evangeline Aquifer.

Sinton City Manager John Hobson said the city remains concerned about possible over-pumping of the aquifer. He also tied Sinton’s opposition to Corpus Christi’s stalled desalination efforts.

“The City of Sinton remains concerned about the possible over-pumping of the Evangeline aquifer,” Hobson said.

Hobson said Corpus Christi would rely on groundwater from Nueces County and the Evangeline/Laguna project to make up any water shortfall without desalination.

He said Sinton will continue to contest the project’s drilling and transport permits until desalination contributes to Corpus Christi’s water portfolio.

Councilwoman Carolyn Vaughn told 3NEWS on Tuesday that despite Sinton’s protests, construction continues. 

“We’re still going, we’re still doing the things that we are on the property,” Vaughn said. “And we will continue to do that. We feel like the law’s on our side — it’s property rights — so we’re going to continue to do it.”

Vaughn said that talks with Sinton have hit a wall, and the next steps involve a contested court case. 

“We tried very hard to work with Sinton, but — I don’t think they want to work with us,” she said. “I don’t know what you do after this. I just think the law is on our side, because those are property rights. I wish Sinton would just move things forward, but they’ve just really kind of stalled, which is unfortunate.”

Councilman Mark Scott told 3NEWS that he continues to echo his disappointment with the project in Executive sessions.  

“I’m really frustrated about that,” Scott said. “I continue to be frustrated with that project. It’s two to six years before we get any kind of finality. We spent a whole bunch of money, and I think we did that based on the developer telling us that we would get a permit.”

They have not. Instead, the City of Corpus Christi continues to wait for court dates with Sinton. 

“So I’m really angry — I’m frustrated,” he continued. “We’re so deep in this now it’s hard to pause. I’ve advocated for a pause, or an off-ramp, because it’s 6 years and after 6 years — that’s 3 legislative sessions, and what if in the end, the rules change, and we don’t get 24 mgd.”

Scott said that changes could end up doubling the cost of the project. 

“There is a concrete next step,” Scott said. “a contested court case.” 

But the problem, according to Scott, is that the judge’s schedule is packed and the first hearing may not be until March. From there, Scott said, they will be in court with Sinton for two to six years before a resolution is reached.