RELEASE: Congressman Cloud Gives Update on Federal Support for Desalination

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Cloud announced today we are one step closer to desalination for Corpus Christi. Following President Trump’s visit to the Coastal Bend in February, his Administration announced today expanded water infrastructure opportunities that open the door for significant federal funding for desalination in the region. 

Until today’s announcement, preexisting caps on desalination funding made substantial federal funding opportunities for desalination projects virtually impossible. Today, the Trump Administration announced the removal of the $30 million cap that previously served as a prohibitive hurdle to large-scale funding of projects, such as proposed desalination in Corpus Christi. 

“It is no secret that the Coastal Bend is in need of long-term water solutions, and this is the first step into making things like desalination a reality for the region,” said Rep. Cloud. “It was my privilege to work alongside President Trump and the Bureau of Reclamation in making this a reality through countless conversations, legislative requests, and President Trump’s recent visit to Corpus Christi.” 

This cap removal comes alongside the Bureau of Reclamation’s announcement of a new funding opportunity through the WaterSMART program. The WaterSMART program is designed to leverage federal and non-federal funds to work with states and localities in implementing projects to increase water supply and resilience.

The news comes after Rep. Cloud questioned Assistant Secretary for Water and Science in the U.S. Department of Interior, Andrea Travnicek, on the ongoing water crisis in an April budget hearing. Rep. Cloud asked for an update on Corpus Christi’s application for federal funding under this program, and Assistant Secretary Travnicek confirmed that they had been tracking this application very closely and have had multiple conversations to make sure all the necessary pieces had been submitted in preparation for this funding opportunity. 

The funding announcement references its advancement of Trump Administration priorities, including unleashing American Energy Dominance, in its project description.

The full funding opportunity announcement can be read here.