Congratulations to the City of Corpus Christi for crossing a major milestone last week. On March 13, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved the very long-awaited TPDES permit for the City’s Inner Harbor water treatment project. Combined with the TCEQ’s issuance of the necessary water right and interbasin transfer authorization in 2022, this Commission’s decision last week puts Corpus Christi firmly in the leadership position on large-scale municipal desalination projects not just in Texas, but nationwide. We were privileged to share our space for the City’s virtual press conference, where city leaders discussed the Commission’s decision with the Corpus Christi media for the first time. Allensworth | Texas Construction Lawyers and Freese and Nichols later co-hosted a celebration that included City representatives, community leaders, and other major supporters of the project. https://lnkd.in/gGv5HhW7 The Inner Harbor water treatment project moves the Coastal Bend region, and the entire state, closer to water security and sustainability. Congratulations to everyone involved in this significant, legacy endeavor. Allensworth is proud to have played a role in helping the City secure the critical state permits that allow this historic project to move forward. Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo, Councilman Rolando Barrera, Councilman Mark Scott, Drew Molly? #WaterLaw #ConstructionLaw #Desalination #WaterFuture #TexasLawyers #WaterTreatment #Sustainability #Water #Innovation #Permitting
What a historic day for Corpus Christi! The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has granted final approval for the Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus, making it the first municipally owned and operated seawater desalination facility in the country. This project will provide up to 36 million gallons of potable water per day, strengthening our region’s water supply and ensuring a reliable, drought-proof resource for our region. The City will proceed with the following steps: 1.??? Second quarter 2025: Kiewit, the selected design-build firm, will continue with the design of the demonstration center program and facility. 2.??? Fourth quarter 2025: At 60% design, Kiewit will submit a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) proposal to the City. 3.??? Fourth quarter 2025 to early 2026: After the City and Kiewit agree to the GMP, staff will go back to the City Council for approval to execute a construction contract with Kiewit. 4.??? First quarter 2026: Construction will start and continue through 2028. 5.??? Summer 2028: Construction will be completed, and the facility will go into operation. Today’s milestone represents years of dedication and innovation to secure Corpus Christi’s water future. Thank you to Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Senator Adam Hinojosa, State Representatives Todd Hunter and Denise Villalobos, (CCW) Corpus Christi Water, and everyone who made this possible! #WaterForTheFuture #CorpusChristi #Desalination #HistoricApproval