SAN PATRICIO COUNTY, Tx — The City of Sinton announced on Monday it will not attend a proposed meeting with Corpus Christi city leaders regarding the Evangeline/Laguna Water Project citing concerns with transparency.

The meeting proposed for Tuesday, was set to be hosted by Sen. Adam Hinojosa, District 27, and was meant to bring city leaders from Sinton and Corpus Christi together to find a solution both parties could agree upon.

“Sinton and Corpus Christi are both vital parts of the Coastal Bend Region. Our goal is to provide a venue and facilitate discussion so that both Sinton and Corpus Christi may both benefit,” Hinojosa wrote in a press release on Tuesday.

However, the City of Sinton responded to the Senator’s request saying no discussions will be had until, “the City of Corpus Christi (“CCC”) provides essential information and responds to a previously submitted proposal intended to resolve ongoing groundwater permit matters.”

The press release continued, “Sinton expressed appreciation for the Senator’s willingness to assist in facilitating discussions. However, the City emphasized that meaningful dialogue cannot occur without basic transparency and engagement from CCC.”

READ THE CITY OF SINTON’S FULL RELEASE HERE:

The City of Sinton announced today that it will not attend a proposed March 10 meeting regarding the Evangeline/Laguna Water Project until the City of Corpus Christi (“CCC”) provides essential information and responds to a previously submitted proposal intended to resolve ongoing groundwater permit matters.

Sinton, represented by legal counsel who also serves St. Paul Water Supply Corporation (“SPWSC”), is currently participating in proceedings before the San Patricio County Groundwater Conservation District (“SPCGCD”) concerning permit applications filed by CCC and Evangeline/Laguna LP. These applications relate to the proposed Evangeline/Laguna Water Project, which Sinton and SPWSC believe may significantly and unreasonably impact their groundwater wells, including potential declines in water levels and degradation of water quality.

In a letter responding to an invitation from Senator Adam Hinojosa, Sinton expressed appreciation for the Senator’s willingness to assist in facilitating discussions. However, the City emphasized that meaningful dialogue cannot occur without basic transparency and engagement from CCC.

More than two weeks ago, Sinton and SPWSC submitted a detailed proposal to CCC outlining a path toward resolving the pending permit issues. To date, CCC has not provided any response. According to Sinton’s counsel, this silence prevents the City from understanding CCC’s position, assessing whether progress is possible, or determining whether an impasse exists.
Additionally, Sinton reiterated concerns about CCC’s refusal to share critical hydrogeological and water‑quality data related to the Project. Despite repeated requests—most recently renewed after Sinton submitted its proposal—CCC has declined to provide the information, calling the request “premature.” Sinton maintains that such data is essential for any good‑faith negotiation, given the technical complexity and potential risks associated with the Project.

“CCC simply must be an open book with regard to the Project,” the letter states. “There cannot be good‑faith negotiations until CCC commits to sharing important information and follows through.”

Based on the lack of response and the absence of necessary technical disclosures, Sinton has respectfully declined to attend the March 10 meeting.

City of Sinton

In February, the San Patricio County Groundwater Conservation District voted to send formal protests filed against the proposed Evangeline groundwater project to a preliminary hearing process.

As previously reported by KRIS 6 News, the City of Sinton and St. Paul Water Supply Corporation filed formal protests against Evangeline drilling and transport permit applications tied to Corpus Christi’s groundwater supply plans.

In the Monday press release, Sinton leaders write, “More than two weeks ago, Sinton and SPWSC submitted a detailed proposal to CCC outlining a path toward resolving the pending permit issues. To date, CCC has not provided any response. According to Sinton’s counsel, this silence prevents the City from understanding CCC’s position, assessing whether progress is possible, or determining whether an impasse exists.”

Corpus Christi officials had described Evangeline as a critical future water source during drought conditions.

On Thursday, Lake Corpus Christi fell below 10% capacity, marking an historic low at the Wesley Seale Dam.

The combined lake levels are down to 9.9%.

Corpus Christi city officials are modeling how soon the region could reach a Level 1 water emergency. “Worst case scenario would be late spring or early summer,” Zanoni told KRIS 6 News on Thursday.

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