Corpus Christi secured $17 million in federal funding to help replace an aging water line installed nearly 100 years ago that carries drinking water into the city.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A nearly 100-year-old water line in Corpus Christi is set for replacement, with a $17 million federal grant expected to cover about 70% of the project’s cost.

The nearly 3-mile pipeline runs underground along Interstate 37 and Leopard Street, near Up River Road. It transports drinking water from the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant into the city’s distribution system.

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Nick Winkelmann, Chief Operating Officer for Corpus Christi Water, said the line was installed in 1937 and has been repaired over the years. Now, city officials are preparing for a full replacement.

“We’re very excited that we were selected to receive, it’s about $17 million of funds that will go towards a project that won’t have to be funded by our ratepayers,” Winkelmann said.

The grant comes from the U.S. Department of War. The city will contribute an additional $7 million from its water budget to help cover the project’s remaining costs.

“The grant will cover approximately 70% of the project. Corpus Christi Water, our ratepayers essentially will be paying for 30% of the project. So any time that you can get critical infrastructure replaced at 30% of the cost, that’s a big deal,” Winkelmann said.

City Councilman Roland Barrera said the project is part of the city’s broader effort to maintain and upgrade aging water infrastructure that serves all water customers.

“That’s an area that’s in proximity to our industry partners. So, you know, we need to ensure that we’ve got those items maintained and that we have the necessary means to be able to serve our customers,” Barrera said.

Winkelmann said replacing the pipeline will also help strengthen the city’s overall water distribution system.

“Breaks and other failures that may occur so by replacing this aging infrastructure, it makes the entire water distribution system more resilient,” Winkelmann said.

The city is expected to open bids soon to select a company to replace the water line.