The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) is taking an active role in a statewide movement aimed at securing dedicated funding for sustainable water solutions. While facing Stage 3 water restrictions imposed on Corpus Christi for the first time in history, the Chamber is joining a coalition of business leaders and chambers of commerce from across the state to advocate for support to safeguard the future of Texas’ water supply.

Stage 3 water restrictions, implemented for the first time in Corpus Christi’s history due to ongoing drought conditions, highlight the critical need for a state-dedicated funding system to help address water challenges and prepare for future demands. With the cities of Portland, Robstown, Port Aransas, Rockport, Beeville and Kingsville also under Stage 3 restrictions, the water crisis is a growing concern for everyone across the Coastal Bend region. This funding could support solutions aimed at creating a reliable and long-lasting water supply. The Chamber supports the critical importance of these efforts in addressing the current water drought challenges and ensuring a secure water future for the Coastal Bend.

“With Corpus Christi facing severe drought conditions and, for the first time ever, Stage 3 water restrictions, creating a dedicated and predictable funding source for supporting potential initiatives and solutions is essential,” said the Chamber’s President & CEO, Al Arreola, Jr. “This approach would ensure the Coastal Bend has the resources needed to invest in long-term measures for securing our water future.”

“I appreciate the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to advocate for dedicated funding to safeguard the future of Texas’s water supply. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee I will work with my colleagues and our state leadership to secure funding for our state’s water infrastructure. Our legislative delegation is united in ensuring that the Coastal Bend has access to state resources for our water needs. We are also doing everything possible to expedite the review of proposed projects so that our families have the water they need and our businesses can continue to thrive,” said State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa SD 20.

“With the ongoing strain on Corpus Christi’s water supply and the recent implementation of stage three water restrictions, I believe it is my duty to take action and support efforts to address this critical issue. I am honored to have been appointed by the Lieutenant Governor to serve on the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs, where I am committed to working diligently to identify and secure funding for additional water sources. Together with my colleagues in the legislature, we will work toward long-term solutions to ensure Corpus Christi and the surrounding communities recover and thrive beyond this unprecedented challenge,” said State Senator Adam Hinojosa, SD 27

“As a senior member of the legislature, I am proud to help the Chamber and the Coastal Bend lead efforts to advocate for dedicated funding to address our water needs. When we come together as a community, there is nothing we can’t accomplish,” said State Representative Todd Hunter, HD 32.

“It is paramount that we get our community the water it needs, and it’s encouraging to have a delegation here in the Corpus Christi area that works so well together. In order for our community to grow and maintain our industrial prowess, we need all hands on deck. Corpus Christi is an economic driver for our state and nation, and I am grateful that we have the best folks working day and night to fix our water crisis together,” said State Representative Denise Villalobos, HD 34.

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has highlighted that its current funding sources are operating well over capacity due to the immense needs across the state. In response, the TWDB has recommended that the 89th Texas Legislature develop a long-term, sustainable funding model to address these overwhelming demands. This approach would provide consistent resources to meet the critical water needs of Texas communities.

“The TWDB’s recommendations to the 89th Legislature calls attention to the urgency for reliable and sustainable funding to secure long-term water solutions. The Chamber will take a leading role in the statewide united movement to engage in collaborative discussions with state legislators and key stakeholders in support of these recommendations. These efforts are important for the well-being of Corpus Christi residents, supporting local businesses, and helping new businesses grow, creating a strong and sustainable future for the Coastal Bend and communities across Texas,” said Arreola, Jr.

The Chamber invites the community to join in advocacy efforts for this priority and other issues impacting the Coastal Bend during the 89th Texas legislative session. The Coastal Bend Day at the State Capitol (CB to ATX) is Wednesday, February 12. For more information about the Chamber’s CB to ATX initiative, please click here.