The removal of a cap for a federal water project funding program has Corpus Christi officials hopeful for the funding chances of future desalination projects.
On May 14, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced a WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects funding opportunity. Previous iterations of this program included a $30 million cap. The current iteration does not have the same funding cap, though there are still limits in how much money is available.
Local leaders are crediting U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud for his advocacy on this issue.
“With this restriction now lifted, the door is open for substantially greater federal participation in helping fund projects that are essential to the long-term water security and economic future of Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend,” Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo said in a Facebook post.
This is exciting news for the region, Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni said.
The Bureau of Reclamation desalination funding program is aimed at state and public agencies including municipalities, irrigation districts, water districts and wastewater districts. This means that other regional entities might also have a shot at funding.
The city of Corpus Christi began the process of applying for federal WaterSMART desalination funding for the Inner Harbor project two years ago. Before submitting an application, the city had to complete a feasibility study.
That feasibility study was verbally accepted by the Bureau of Reclamation May 15, Zanoni said. The city expects to receive official written approval soon. This, coupled with the notice of funding opportunity shared by the bureau on May 14, means that the city will soon be able to complete its application.
According to grant documents, total funding available in this grant cycle is $120 million.
Additionally, applicants are only eligible for a maximum of 25% of the total cost of planning, design and construction activities completed between approval of the project’s feasibility study and three years from the application deadline.
Applicants can continue to apply through future funding opportunities until reaching the statutory maximum of 25% of total project costs, according to an email from the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Communications clarifying program limits.
But Corpus Christi is hoping for $500 million in federal funds to support Inner Harbor desalination in addition to the state funds already secured for the project. That’s well beyond the statutory maximum, as well as what’s currently available through the Bureau of Reclamation funding opportunity.
Zanoni said that Cloud has shared this request with President Donald Trump.
“Our families are in the business of making products that are used nationally and internationally,” Zanoni said. “We feel we’re a great candidate for federal help because the products we make are tied to the national economy and international community.”
A May 14 news release from Cloud’s office stated that “preexisting caps on desalination funding made substantial federal funding opportunities for desalination projects virtually impossible.”
“It is no secret that the Coastal Bend is in need of long-term water solutions, and this is the first step into making things like desalination a reality for the region,” Cloud said in the news release. “It was my privilege to work alongside President Trump and the Bureau of Reclamation in making this a reality through countless conversations, legislative requests, and President Trump’s recent visit to Corpus Christi.”
President Donald Trump visited Corpus Christi in February.
Zanoni said that removing the previous cap is a first step. Other goals include increasing the total amount of funding available for desalination projects or potentially a direct allocation in the federal budget, Zanoni said.
Olivia Garrett covers education and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact her at olivia.garrett@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Leaders tout ‘first step’ in potential federal funds for Inner Harbor
Reporting by Olivia Garrett, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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