[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6334734,"mediaKeyId","2295067-f5865dd840754721d2de154ea3d25d0e","parentId",2295067,"title","City staff brief council on EV Ranch brackish groundwater project as a potential 25 MGD supply","audioSeconds",812,"startMs",15478000,"endMs",16290000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2295067-f5865dd840754721d2de154ea3d25d0e&start=15478&end=16290","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2295067-f5865dd840754721d2de154ea3d25d0e/thumbnail_15478000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6334734/Texas/City-staff-brief-council-on-EV-Ranch-brackish-groundwater-project-as-a-potential-25-MGD-supply","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6334734-47cb52b22ddb987199e0f9be103556f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940207&Signature=ou60RM0qoLUFHq3osAcKKGRpDR1lcmSdzy3~yD4wPFzyk1gUNYWHpe07jhbdyLebH0BWWoL5-0LoGH7WQgmyuk-ESnjchygr2FgMMql7C3yJE48ISiuWrnRV6MSVkxMMBOngBp-TDVCiVNRLzPoLAxhXlqcn2D~~gq4G~gdRigZTR4vuXx39otFlNVG6gzsE1fzQ5ZOj7QMAkslmhbBle0cDVawsYAnViNcmOF3K~1IJIyKIiZwaYkfB6ETkBGizacpv0cgVPkKgOWGGwvIiupAeULG9cPMLW8Dw9Y0Qcr3W1zDhap7T5jiW4hjuK3NHF8A7dCp3B~Jazn8viLe8sQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Corpus Christi TX","date","2025-02-12T01:38:15Z","article","City staff and proponents of a brackish groundwater proposal for the Eshelman-Voigt (EV) Ranch described the project to the City Council on Feb. 11, laying out a potential path to 25-30 million gallons per day of new supply.

The proposal, led by Michael Mintz of Catahoula Water Company and partner Daryl Brownlee, would draw from a deep Catahoula aquifer beneath EV Ranch and treat the brackish water with reverse osmosis before delivering it to existing conveyance (potentially via South Texas Water Authority) and the Owen Stevens Water Treatment Plant. Project proponents estimate 30,000 acre-feet per year (roughly 25 MGD) as a conservative starting point.

Why it matters: Corpus Christi is pursuing diverse new supplies to address ongoing reservoir shortages. A large, wheeled groundwater source could provide regional capacity and reduce reliance on desalination at sensitive coastal sites; however, costs and permitting for pipelines, treatment and brine disposal are significant.

Key technical points: Proponents said the ranch is roughly 70 miles from the city's nearest large pipeline and about 46 miles to South Texas Water Authority conveyance; preliminary pipeline cost estimates varied widely in early scoping (from $3.9M/mile to $6.6M/mile depending on assumptions). The water quality is brackish and will require RO treatment; brine disposal is envisioned via deep injection wells. Royalty terms were discussed; the EV Ranch team proposed a royalty of $0.30 per 1,000 gallons as a starting point, which staff described as competitive compared with other offers.

Next steps and funding: Proponents and staff said a feasibility study and test well drilling are necessary next steps. The Port of Corpus Christi indicated interest in putting a feasibility grant before its long-range planning committee; staff proposed a study budget of roughly $3 million to evaluate well performance, water quality and pipeline options. Staff also recommended early engagement with potential conveyance partners such as South Texas Water Authority and regional water districts.

Ending: Council members asked for more cost detail and engineering validation before committing. Staff said the City supports continuing due diligence and recommended coordinating a feasibility study with regional partners, including the Port and South Texas Water Authority.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Corpus Christi | City Council Meeting February 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff and proponents briefed the City Council on a proposal to produce 25'30 million gallons per day from brackish groundwater at EV Ranch, noting test wells, treatment and pipelines are required.","taxTitle","City Council, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas","taxId",77669,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6334738,"City approves $2 million drought relief grants for small businesses; LiftFund to administer program",485,19647000,20132000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2295067-f5865dd840754721d2de154ea3d25d0e&start=19647&end=20132","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2295067-f5865dd840754721d2de154ea3d25d0e/thumbnail_19647000.jpg","/articles/6334738/Texas/City-approves-2-million-drought-relief-grants-for-small-businesses-LiftFund-to-administer-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6334738-22813a61e33a012647aeb3758eece9bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940207&Signature=jFjZ6LW47SaTk4NB0qsNsSMKzOgL3xfYiOzqWUVQuuyvXq8fxa0f0LUtbwP2MxPZbcZOzb7BABi7Vvqxpjv7GZM87H~lEsqAtfzufluT2eqgMHKK75Q8zI7cvza28zFUixq-hVSmwHs3nJyWUUNqtfo16qshbC1nc9CZPvxekUOX6Aa5WHZR24GRV0wGGiBbUvbFQosDYcBHIFbLGlr5MdYYngChHFObnlLTQipQYcPYwKMuQZ5d-i1Lx-R9gw-WDl2rsGTQ0tWOqkkfozQw~9vkkZaOqdFn6Fjck3Tvb9DGEQ91PXnF6-0wy6tlXyTy0Ml-XQAXjCdPKTFxxT8M5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Corpus Christi's City Council approved a $2 million drought relief grant program on Feb. 11 to provide short-term financial help to small businesses hit by water restrictions.

The program, to be run by LiftFund, will provide grants up to $50,000 per eligible business to help retain employees and cover operating shortfalls caused by stage 3 water restrictions. The council authorized a Type B funding transfer to free general-fund dollars and cover the program. LiftFund will handle application intake, eligibility verification and disbursement; staff said they plan to start accepting pre-applications within days and begin disbursing grants as quickly as feasible.

Why it matters: Landscape contractors, nurseries and irrigation businesses told the council they had reduced staff and cancelled projects after tighter watering rules took effect, and warned more layoffs were imminent. The relief program is intended as an emergency bridge so skilled local workers are not lost permanently to other industries.

Program basics: Eligibility will be limited to businesses physically located in the city limits that have been operating for at least 12 months and that show at least a 20% year-over-year revenue decline tied to drought restrictions. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis; LiftFund will review documentation such as business bank statements and payroll records. Staff and LiftFund told council they will provide outreach in English and Spanish. The packet includes a LiftFund administrative fee; council members asked staff to seek a lower fee but approved the contract to expedite disbursement.

Council direction and next steps: Council members urged staff to pursue parallel steps to create public contracting opportunities and to expedite public works or procurement projects that could employ affected firms. Staff said that short-term grants will be paired with longer-term programs and that they will report back on implementation; LiftFund will provide biweekly status reports, and staff will test opportunities to channel city work to impacted businesses.

Ending: Council approved the contract and funding transfer after public comment from affected business owners and trade associations. Staff said the goal is immediate relief without delaying a later, more structural approach to job creation and water-efficient conversions.","City Council voted to create a short-term small-business drought relief program, directing Type B street funds to a LiftFund-administered grant pool that will provide up to $50,000 per eligible affected business. The program aims for speedy disbursement while staff pursue parallel work programs.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6334743,"Corpus Christi debates revised drought contingency plan after hours of public comment",13290,2010000,15300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2295067-f5865dd840754721d2de154ea3d25d0e&start=2010&end=15300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2295067-f5865dd840754721d2de154ea3d25d0e/thumbnail_2010000.jpg","/articles/6334743/Texas/Corpus-Christi-debates-revised-drought-contingency-plan-after-hours-of-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6334743-eb088180f9a359c1419ae946624c5194/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940207&Signature=RxCKPGPN2WZblXra4rk2~r0uQjN7q-rqPyAKxI~xajiXAYjrZgzJs1M7ClL1y56Przc8PJfCmHSkgxU~ynwH4r~UcdIKT~b2ZwzMNwKKFjPsc3lhP6xe94Fj5jjZcUnckFFW1RsC94uumZqzWPhStjbaOMdrRDctE~acmt1mYcsZ4AlZIzofYxw0a~etAVOftKdjM0q98zuf35~88DLwN24fxkZ28xZZFigqHvbY7zRdKR~h6aAFHmcZ-1YZQE-F1urHvkkjSSVeVzs5X0QZ6Lqe2Fgu0KuixGypCSCqaM2dd5iwArKZcJcTjabINnQ8fMQqEOtO6gIljiO3gBSqSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council considered a major update to the city's drought contingency plan on Feb. 11, a proposal that would raise industrial drought surcharges, move a moratorium on new meters to a later stage and add limited allowances for residential drip and hand watering.

The revised plan was the subject of more than three hours of public comment and repeated motions on whether to postpone or amend the measure. Speakers ranged from landscape and irrigation contractors reporting layoffs to residents demanding stronger restrictions on large industrial water users.

Why it matters: Corpus Christi faces persistent low reservoir levels. The drought contingency plan (DCP) sets the city's staged restrictions, the surcharge schedule and the authority that determines when the city tightens rules. The city manager and Corpus Christi Water staff said the rewrite is intended to create clearer, enforceable stages and fund long-term water projects; opponents called for stronger, earlier limits on industrial consumption and more time for public review.

Key points of the revised plan include: raising the optional drought surcharge for nonexempt high-volume industrial users to $3 / $6 / $12 per 1,000 gallons across increasing drought stages; moving the moratorium on new water-meter applications from stage 3 to the most severe 'water emergency' stage; and allowing limited hand-watering and drip irrigation for trees and landscape beds under certain stages. Staff said those changes respond to comments from industry, builders and residents.

Public pushback focused on two themes: calls for mandatory industrial curtailment and repeal of the surcharge-exemption that allows some large users to pay a fee rather than take immediate cuts; and requests for more time and additional public listening sessions before council takes final action. Several speakers said the plan's prior drafts had already been delayed and that a two-week postponement would allow more stakeholder meetings.

Council votes and next steps: The council considered motions to postpone and to amend. A motion to postpone for two weeks failed after back-and-forth votes and a later motion to adopt the staff'recommended ordinance (including highlighted edits circulated for the second reading) did not carry. Councilmembers and staff said the ordinance can be revisited and amended at a future meeting; staff also said certain practical changes (for example, allowing hand-watering and limited drip irrigation) could be handled by amendment if council directs.

Staff said the city is continuing to engage industry partners and regional agencies as it pursues both short-term drought response and long-term water-supply projects; they noted that moving ahead with a DCP that provides an enforceable path and funding tools helps the city apply for and use state and federal resources. Council did not complete final action on the revised DCP at the Feb. 11 meeting.

Ending: The DCP remains the most contested item on the Council's agenda: the debate highlighted tensions between residents seeking stronger conservation and stakeholders concerned about economic impacts. Council indicated it would revisit the plan at an upcoming meeting and that staff would continue stakeholder outreach in the interval.","After a packed public comment period, the City Council and staff debated a rewritten drought contingency plan that would raise industrial surcharges, allow limited residential drip and hand-watering, and change triggers for new-meter moratoria. Council failed to postpone final action; the proposed changes remain under review.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6334724,"Council approves multiple appointments, annexation and zoning items; votes at a glance",240,3150000,3390000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2295067-f5865dd840754721d2de154ea3d25d0e&start=3150&end=3390","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2295067-f5865dd840754721d2de154ea3d25d0e/thumbnail_3150000.jpg","/articles/6334724/Texas/Council-approves-multiple-appointments-annexation-and-zoning-items-votes-at-a-glance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6334724-b59f1f4802d90c0e41a899698b3a6b2e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940207&Signature=KPgIPxhleGV22UEBIQvwGZqMoIcFOOvzAzGB4zwtCrqGMHZhPrGNC~Q~S0MuRY-wH0DQMb0yNaXN41ou82E5Xbtq7PhnhUkjrjc0q1HtLG8hUUSxBbrpOmDdYS-s-cQpMm693Dxur8gyjKCOYrAjOmBIDopw-vsWeO7ExrtWnEea7-UPblUTdFO96mrc0RFqxHnF-urXWOSXOb4gDnHriSyCzDJi9FNK7yqdhoTgnmGEQ-2fDzyhj-X-M0H2QsgFPa5vQKaa5y7KKUo0KkpDAvLeZ1rmvOdPajXgrH23ZlvUZC02gaBzWQDKnQN96nwe0xv5-VzMUJ4WG0RQM2mOkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved a series of routine and substantive measures during its Feb. 11 meeting, including appointments to advisory boards, an annexation and multiple zoning actions. Many items were passed on motion and the consent agenda; the drought contingency plan and a contentious library debate drew extended public comment.

Votes at a glance:

- Capital Improvements Advisory Committee: Reappointments and new appointments confirmed. Motion carried.
- Coastal Bend Council of Governments (staff and elected slots): Staff and council appointments approved; motion carried.
- Crime Control & Prevention District and other board appointments: Council confirmed nominees and reappointments; one later nominee substitution was approved by council. Motion carried.
- Library Advisory Board: Dora Wilburn reappointed after public comment and a recusal; motion carried.
- Annexation & Rezoning (Padma Estates): Annexation of ~9.2 acres and rezoning from FR to RS-22 (single-family) approved.
- Zoning ZN8398 (Mandel Family Homes, PUD RS-4.5): Rezoning for ~6.6 acres to allow ~45 single-family units; staff and Planning Commission recommended approval and council approved.
- Zoning ZN8501 (CrossTimbers Steakhouses Inc. / District 1): Rezoning from FR to RS-4.5 for ~15.6 acres (84 units planned); council approved with one abstention.
- Marina Advisory Committee and Water/Shore & Beach Advisory Committee: Multiple appointments and category changes approved.

Why it matters: The approvals move forward multiple development projects and replenish advisory boards; the annexation and zoning decisions change the land-use map and authorize new residential development.

Meeting context and outcomes: Appointments were approved by roll-call votes and voice votes where applicable; recusal(s) were observed when needed. The drought contingency plan discussion drew the most public attention and remains under further consideration. Council approved the LiftFund-administered small-business drought relief program and several staff recommendations discussed during the meeting.

Ending: The council disposed of many agenda items but left the revised drought contingency plan unresolved after extended public comment and competing motions. Several follow-up staff reports were requested.","At the Feb. 11 meeting the City Council approved a series of board appointments, an annexation and several zoning requests, and assigned committees. A separate drought contingency plan discussion drew extensive public comment but no final ordinance passage.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6334729,"Library board reappointment stokes debate over explicit material policy; Dora Wilburn reappointed",3232,3848000,7080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2295067-f5865dd840754721d2de154ea3d25d0e&start=3848&end=7080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2295067-f5865dd840754721d2de154ea3d25d0e/thumbnail_3848000.jpg","/articles/6334729/Texas/Library-board-reappointment-stokes-debate-over-explicit-material-policy-Dora-Wilburn-reappointed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6334729-0d4cf9f319a3b51598f22def849ab618/orig.mp4?Expires=1770940207&Signature=bqXMdC6~YHCNm~GbC5KrGfsx1AOL5RZWH5wXDMvIsWnj05lmbnZQvFr-tDnoHQcls2a0bb1EYuENcXwrx7HXmHy6CrV9pBXf9mOm~Cbd5MBVMncDk8487aJ4WMqCxPEzskF2mB~uKc2C3nbXwFKTL93VIG1o22gB-jy-UNnJQRzX3XIj~sNN9W-b~18FY-ZBDcm4ihfU2cT7LSTsBrL444IqMf~~sDno3HB2BYXNbFMHl~uNUTaGJmgR51JS~OLY96eQg4JjYQ6cr~zspPPj559akXS7PYMsoVEaRHl78QIT9Q79arP8w3USIRVhFlpX4qEpoPrZFq1byYGMZCEFLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council reappointed Dora Wilburn to the Public Library Advisory Board on Feb. 11 amid a contentious public discussion over library policy and the placement of sexually explicit or age-restricted material.

Why it matters: Residents delivered sharply divided testimony during the meeting's public comment period. Supporters said Wilburn is a committed board member who defends library access and equity; opponents argued the board needs members who will relocate sexually explicit material out of children's areas and enforce local ordinance standards.

What speakers told council: Several residents and community groups urged Wilburn's reappointment, citing her engagement and stewardship of library resources. Other speakers, including members of the public and some library-board critics, said recent library-board meetings included inflammatory language and statements they regarded as discriminatory; some called for policy changes to restrict sexually explicit materials from the children's and young-adult sections and for staff to better enforce city ordinance definitions.

Council action: After public comment, Councilmember Campos recused herself from the library item; the council then voted to reappoint Dora Wilburn. The reappointment passed despite strong remarks from both supporters and critics.

Policy context: Multiple public commenters referenced City ordinance language and Texas Penal Code sections in arguing their positions. Some said the library's selection policy appears to follow American Library Association guidance; others said local ordinance requires community standards and restrictions on harmful materials for minors. Council did not adopt an immediate policy change at the meeting but asked staff to review ordinance consistency with library selection policies and report back.

Ending: The Wilburn reappointment cleared the council, but the debate underscored ongoing community division over library material placement and the role of advisory boards. Council asked staff to review library policies and consider bringing the issue back with suggested clarifying language.","Council reappointed Dora Wilburn to the Public Library Advisory Board after hours of public comment on library material policy and board conduct, with speakers both supporting and opposing her reappointment and disputing the presence of sexually explicit material in children's sections.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City staff brief council on EV Ranch brackish groundwater project as a potential 25 MGD supply

City approves $2 million drought relief grants for small businesses; LiftFund to administer program

Corpus Christi debates revised drought contingency plan after hours of public comment

Council approves multiple appointments, annexation and zoning items; votes at a glance

Library board reappointment stokes debate over explicit material policy; Dora Wilburn reappointed