LMWD’s LATEST: Congressman supports desalination project

 

U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzales was in the area last week and one of his scheduled stops was in Port Isabel to visit the Laguna Madre Water District [LMWD]. On Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, Congressman Gonzales, joined by staff Laura Matamoros and Victor Garza, met with General Manager Carlos Galvan and staff members Roberto Gomez, Eduardo Salazar, Noe Cantu, Tavo Ochoa and Mary Gamboa to present a check and discuss LMWD’s desalination project, as well as to meet after the presentation to discuss other District needs.

Congressman Gonzales started by describing the funding for the over $17.5 million grant that was awarded to the LMWD Desalination Project.

“As you know, water is our lifeline to our community, and there’s a real shortage in our region. We’ve been struggling, and I’ve been trying to build infrastructure with this safe water funding. I brought 50 million to the (congressional) district, and we continue to bring this through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill,” said Gonzales.

The LMWD Desalination Project is an approximately $72 million construction project to build a facility that will clean and purify salt water from the Gulf of Mexico into potable drinking water for everyday use. The Bureau of Reclamation awarded the $17 million grant as 25% of the Desalination Project’s cost. The remainder is slated for a bond election this May, possibly raising local tax by seven cents per $100, although the amount may be less as LMWD continues to seek grants. Therefore, the grant awarded is contingent on the project moving forward with voters approving the bond.

Due to the continuing water shortage and low water reservoir, the LMWD Board of Directors has made this project a priority, seeking funding and support for this project that will allow them to continue to provide sufficient water to its customers and communities in the future. Congressman Gonzales supported the project, saying, “I’m really proud of this project because this is exactly what we need. We can cry about water all we want, but if we don’t do something about it, we’ll be in the same situation forever.”

Congressman Gonzales also discussed the funding pause that President Trump placed on projects. “There’s likely going to be some changes under this administration. They may cut some of those resources, but I think water is one that we can’t afford to cut, and I think the president will see it the same,” said Gonzales. When asked when LMWD would see the funding come in, Congressman Gonzalez answered, “Very soon. This money should be dispersed very easily and rapidly…South Texas has been left out of a lot of deals around the country, so the $17M is nothing.” He finished by saying, “We aren’t asking for freebies; We just want our fair share of the American pie, and that’s what I’m fighting for every single day.”