Heated debate continues over proposed Inner Harbor desalination plant as council pauses final decision

The Corpus Christi City Council spent more than five hours in public comment and technical discussion on a proposed Inner Harbor seawater desalination project, but stopped short of a final vote on moving the project into the next design phase. Council members and city staff said they would continue reviewing alternatives and financial implications before taking action on construction financing.

City staff presented the design and procurement status for the Hillcrest/Inner Harbor project, describing the contract with Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. and the planned step from an initial 10% design toward a 60% design and a guaranteed maximum price (GMP). Brett Van Hazel, program management office director for the project, told the council amendment No. 5 would have authorized design development to 60% for a not-to-exceed $50 million fee to Kiewit, and that staff had paused contract work when council asked for more analysis. Staff said that if council approved the amendment it would deliver a 30% design and updated cost model, then a 60% design and a GMP for council review.

Council members pressed staff and the developer about cost, schedule and alternatives. City staff said earlier conceptual estimates and the market have driven costs upward; the engineering and procurement teams told…