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Frio County backs resolution supporting Harbor Island desalination project
Summary
Frio County commissioners voted Dec. 4 to approve a resolution expressing support for the Harbor Island desalination project after a presentation by the Nueces River Authority; a public commenter urged caution, citing a lack of feasibility and cost studies.
Frio County commissioners on Dec. 4 approved a resolution signaling the county's support for the Harbor Island desalination project following a presentation from the Nueces River Authority and public comment urging more study.
The vote followed testimony from Travis Bruschi of the Nueces River Authority, who described a regional planning effort to bring desalinated seawater to the Coastal Bend and inland counties that rely on the Nueces basin. Bruschi told the court the basin faces a substantial shortfall: "we are estimating a 238,000,000 gallons a day deficit for the Nueces Basin" through 2030. He said the project is in early planning and that pipeline routing and final cost estimates are not yet available.
The measure is nonbinding: commissioners were asked to approve a resolution indicating Frio County wants to participate in regional planning discussions. Commissioner Martinez moved for approval and Commissioner Cano seconded; the court voted in favor.
Kathy Fulton of Port Aransas addressed the court during citizens to be heard, urging caution and saying, "There has been no feasibility studies. There has not been... How much is it going to cost your ratepayers to buy this water because desal is the most expensive water option." Fulton asked commissioners to delay any final commitments until more information on costs and pipeline feasibility is available.
In response, Bruschi said the project team is studying environmental impacts and intake/discharge options and intends to meet with affected communities to address concerns. He emphasized that the plan currently contemplates going offshore for intake and discharge rather than using existing Port of Corpus Christi facilities, and that the project is designed to serve multiple counties that have already signed on to parallel planning resolutions.
County officials noted several unknowns remain, including pipeline costs and final delivery points. As next steps, Bruschi said the authority expects to provide updates in the January–February timeframe and to continue meetings with local stakeholders.
The court's approval expresses Frio County's interest in being included in the planning process but does not commit the county to construction contracts or to absorbing future costs; the resolution is an expression of support for continued study and cooperation.
