Corpus Christi Approves First Step Toward $17.8M Grant to Replace Aging Water Lines

Corpus Christi approves first step toward $17.8M grant to replace aging water lines

KIII ABC News Corpus Christi

Sumiko A. Lara | October 20th, 2026

Aging water lines along Leopard Street and Up River Road could soon be replaced with the help of a $17.8 million federal grant.

The Corpus Christi City Council approved the first step Tuesday toward accepting the funding, which would cover 70% of the $25.4 million project.

The remaining $7.6 million would come from the city’s Water Capital Fund. City officials said the grant would eliminate the need to borrow more than $17.8 million for the project, helping reduce future costs for water customers.

The funding comes through a federal program supporting infrastructure near military installations. The project would improve water service for residents, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Army Depot.

“This federal investment will help modernize and strengthen the city’s water infrastructure that is critical to supplying water for both NAS Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Army Depot,” Congressman Michael Cloud said.

Corpus Christi was one of 26 communities nationwide selected for the funding and is receiving the grant through this program for the first time.

City Council must approve the ordinance a second time before the grant can be officially accepted. A final vote is scheduled for Oct. 27.