Corpus Christi Residents Urge Council To Reject Controversial Inner Harbor Desalination Project

The City Council of Corpus Christi convened on September 2, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the proposed Inner Harbor Desalination Plant. The meeting featured public comments that raised significant concerns regarding the environmental and financial implications of the desalination project.

Jessica Palitza, a resident of District 2, opened the discussion by questioning the financial viability of the desalination initiative, which she estimated to exceed one billion dollars. She expressed skepticism about the project's environmental impact, emphasizing that desalination has never been implemented in a mostly closed bay system like Corpus Christi Bay. Palitza urged the council to reconsider the project, suggesting that it could lead to detrimental effects on the local ecosystem. She also called for the proposal to be placed on the ballot for public voting, referencing a previous attempt in 2019 that was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following Palitza, Taylor Garcia, also from District 2, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the need for transparency in the council's decision-making process. He criticized the lack of accessible data regarding the environmental assessments related to the desalination project. Garcia pointed out that the models used to secure permits had not undergone independent review, raising questions about their reliability. He urged the council to prioritize scientific integrity and public interest over corporate profit, emphasizing that water is a shared natural resource that should not be jeopardized for industrial growth.

The discussions underscored a growing apprehension among residents regarding the desalination project, with calls for more transparency and public involvement in the decision-making process. As the council continues to deliberate on this significant issue, the community remains vigilant, advocating for responsible stewardship of their natural resources.