(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
Correction: A previous version of this story misstated whether funding was authorized to continue work on the desalination project through Aug. 26.
A decision on moving forward with the city of Corpus Christi’s proposed desalination plant will wait another month.
After hourslong discussion on whether to move forward with the city’s Inner Harbor project — due to both the costs that could be associated with delays and the current estimated costs in full — City Council members chose in a 5-4 vote on July 29 to put off the decision until their Aug. 26 meeting.
Mayor Paulette Guajardo and City Councilmen Everett Roy, Roland Barrera and Mark Scott voted in dissent.
New estimates released earlier this month showed the cost of the proposed desalination plant at about $1.2 billion, an increase of about 60% compared to an estimate in January 2024 of $757 million.
Supporters of postponing advocated for allowing additional time for more questions to be answered about how low-interest state loans, previously issued to the city for the project, may be used.
The final vote included no funding for the project through Aug. 26. Mayor Paulette Guajardo voted against the motion.
This is a developing story. Check back at Caller.com for updates.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: A decision on Corpus Christi’s desalination plant will wait another month. Here’s why.
Reporting by Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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