CCW COO Testifies Before House Natural Resource Committee on Regional Water Solutions

Testimony Highlights Drought Conditions and Progress on Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus

March 07, 2025

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Corpus Christi Water Chief Operating Officer Drew Molly, P.E. testified on Wednesday, March 5, at a Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, addressing critical water challenges facing the Coastal Bend region. Corpus Christi was one of four cities asked to testify to the committee. The hearing included testimony before Corpus Christi’s own Representative Denise Villalobos, providing a valuable opportunity to advocate for regional water solutions. 

Molly detailed the severity of the drought currently impacting the region, noting that the City is under Stage 3 water restrictions and facing the possibility of advancing to Stage 4 restrictions this summer if conditions do not improve.

In his testimony, Molly highlighted several initiatives the City is pursuing to address both immediate and long-term water needs. These include short-term water supply projects being implemented to minimize drought impacts until more permanent solutions can be completed. Molly emphasized that the City has carefully studied and evaluated optimal locations for the future seawater desalination plant, which were based on three key factors: affordability, environmental sustainability, and reliability. 

“I am proud of our team working to deliver a regional solution for the entire Coastal Bend,” said Molly. “Our project is nearing the completion of permitting, and it has the low-interest financing afforded by the State’s SWIFT program. We have the ability to convey this water to customers, and we have a design build firm under contract.”

The hearing represented an important step in building consensus around a shared commitment to sustainable water solutions. 

Molly also had the opportunity to answer questions from the Committee, providing additional details about the City’s water infrastructure plans and ongoing conservation efforts. The Committee expressed optimism that the hearing will help position Corpus Christi to advocate effectively for legislative support for this critical water infrastructure.

For more information about the Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus, visit https://bit.ly/3XRKev5 or contact Strategic Business Manager Ashley Marion at 361-826-3706.

Corpus Christi Water Chief Operating Officer Drew Molly, P.E. testified on Wednesday, March 5, at a Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, addressing critical water challenges facing the Coastal Bend region.