City of Sinton Declines Water Project Meeting, Seeks Transparency From City of Corpus Christi
City of Sinton
SINTON, TEXAS (News Release) - The City of Sinton announced Monday it will not attend a proposed March 10 meeting regarding the Evangeline/Laguna Water Project until the City of Corpus Christi provides key information and responds to a previously submitted proposal aimed at resolving ongoing groundwater permit issues.
Sinton, represented by legal counsel who also serves the St. Paul Water Supply Corporation, is currently involved in proceedings before the San Patricio County Groundwater Conservation District concerning permit applications filed by Corpus Christi and Evangeline/Laguna LP.
Sinton city officials say the applications are tied to the proposed Evangeline/Laguna Water Project, which Sinton and the St. Paul Water Supply Corporation believe could significantly affect local groundwater wells. Concerns include potential declines in water levels and possible degradation of water quality.
In a letter responding to an invitation from State Sen. Adam Hinojosa to attend the meeting, Sinton officials thanked the senator for his efforts to facilitate discussions. However, the city said meaningful negotiations cannot take place without greater transparency and engagement from Corpus Christi.
According to Sinton, the city and the St. Paul Water Supply Corporation submitted a detailed proposal to Corpus Christi more than two weeks ago outlining a possible path forward to resolve the pending permit issues. City officials say Corpus Christi has not responded.
Sinton’s legal counsel said the lack of response prevents the city from understanding Corpus Christi’s position or determining whether progress toward a resolution is possible.
The city also raised concerns about what it described as Corpus Christi’s refusal to share hydrogeological and water-quality data related to the project. Sinton said it has repeatedly requested the information, most recently after submitting its proposal, but Corpus Christi has declined to release the data, calling the request “premature.”
City officials said access to the information is necessary for any good-faith negotiations given the technical complexity and potential risks associated with the project.
“Corpus Christi must be an open book regarding the project,” the letter states. “There cannot be good-faith negotiations until the city commits to sharing important information and follows through.”
Because of the lack of response and the absence of requested technical disclosures, Sinton officials said the city has declined to attend Tuesday’s meeting.
