Meeting Details Regional Approach for Coastal Bend Collaboration
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – On Monday, March 3rd, Senator Adam Hinojosa hosted a historic meeting, bringing together representatives from San Patricio County, Nueces County, the Cities of Corpus Christi, Portland, and Port Aransas, as well as the Port of Corpus Christi and the Nueces River Authority. The meeting, facilitated by Senator Hinojosa, focused on uniting these key stakeholders to build regional partnerships, align priorities, and push forward projects that will drive lasting progress for the Coastal Bend.
Discussions centered on the development of a regional plan aimed at addressing critical issues and advancing opportunities for growth. Among the primary topics was the need to expand representation for San Patricio County on the Port of Corpus Christi Commission. Currently, San Patricio County holds only one seat on the commission, despite its increasing role in the region’s economic development. Participants agreed that enhancing the county’s voice in port-related decisions is vital to ensuring balanced and effective regional representation.
“This Coastal Bend Water Alliance is something we have been advocating for decades, not just for representation but to prove partnership with the Coastal Bend as a whole,” said San Patricio County Commissioner Thomas Yardley.
Another major focus was the advancement of two desalination projects designed to meet the region’s growing water demands. Attendees expressed their support for an inner harbor desalination plant, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the project passes all environmental reviews and secures approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition, the group discussed the development of a Harbor Island desalination plant, which would provide a sustainable water supply not only for local communities but for industrial needs and future economic expansion across the region.
“We are at a critical juncture. This project has taken a long time, and we must look out for our ratepayers,” said Drew Molly, Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water, in reference to the Inner Harbor desalination project.
Regional water supply was another key area of discussion, with emphasis on ensuring sustainable access to water resources for the entire region. Representatives from the Nueces River Authority reinforced their commitment to collaboration.
“We want the Nueces River Authority to be able to augment water supply throughout the region and beyond. It’s important to emphasize that we are not in competition with the City of Corpus Christi, and we are in agreement on that,” said John Byrum
The meeting brought together a strong coalition of regional leaders, including Nueces County Judge Connie Scott, San Patricio County Commissioner Thomas Yardley, Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo, Corpus Christi City Councilman Gil Hernandez, Corpus Christi Water COO Drew Molly, Port of Corpus Christi CEO Kent Britton, Port of Corpus Christi representative Wes Hoskins, Port Chairman David Engel, CCREDC Chairman Bryan Gulley, Portland Mayor Cathy Skurow, Portland City Manager Randy Wright, Portland City Councilman Bill Wilson, San Patricio Municipal Water General Manager Brian Williams, San Patricio Municipal Water President Troy Mircovich, Nueces River Authority Executive Director John Byrum, Nueces River Authority Board Member Allan Bloxsom III, and Nueces River Authority Board President Eric Burnett.
Attendees commended Senator Hinojosa for his leadership in bringing the region together to discuss these pressing issues.
“I have been advocating a regional approach for decades, and I thank Senator Adam Hinojosa for bringing the regional stakeholders together for much-needed collaboration,” said Portland Mayor Cathy Skurow.
Port Aransas Mayor Wendy Moore echoed the sentiment, adding, “I want to thank Senator Hinojosa for inviting us and creating this alliance to help not just the needs of today, but prepare for the needs of tomorrow.”
“It was great collaboration with stakeholders in an amazing first step to addressing issues, and I look forward to future meetings,” said Nueces County Judge Connie Scott.
Port Aransas Mayor Wendy Moore echoed the sentiment, adding, “I want to thank Senator Hinojosa for inviting us and creating this alliance to help not just the needs of today, but prepare for the needs of tomorrow.”
“It was great collaboration with stakeholders in an amazing first step to addressing issues, and I look forward to future meetings,” said Nueces County Judge Connie Scott.
“This was a great first step for all of Coastal Bend leadership. I recognize that our success comes in working together and having open communication with our stakeholders,” said Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo.
Senator Hinojosa underscored that the agreements reached during the meeting were made in good faith, with a collective commitment to advancing initiatives that reflect the shared interests of all parties involved. He highlighted the significance of collaboration in addressing regional challenges and driving sustainable development.
“This meeting marks a significant step toward strengthening our region through unity and cooperation,” said Senator Hinojosa. “The projects we discussed — from increasing San Patricio County’s representation on the port commission to advancing critical desalination efforts — will create long-term benefits for our communities. The collaborative spirit shown today reflects our shared dedication to building a stronger, more resilient Coastal Bend.”
Senator Hinojosa expressed his appreciation to the representatives and elected officials who traveled to Austin, acknowledging their leadership and dedication to regional progress. Under his guidance, the meeting fostered meaningful dialogue and laid a strong foundation for future cooperation.
