Evangeline Groundwater Program

At a glance

What: The City's effort to buy groundwater rights in San Patricio County (Evangeline Aquifer, near US 181, US 77 and Highway 89 and the Aransas River), including agreements with Evangeline Laguna, L.P. and related entities, and the construction work that supports it.
Where it stands: Council discussed it in closed session twice (September 8 and September 15, 2026). No open-session vote on the purchase appears in the minutes. On September 1 Council approved a $1,501,795.50 construction material testing amendment on the consent agenda.
Next: Any purchase or agreement would need an open vote; none is recorded yet.

September 1, consent item 16: Amendment No. 1 to the master service agreement with Terracon Consultants, Inc. of Olathe, Kansas, $1,501,795.50, for construction material testing for the Evangeline/San Patricio Co. Groundwater Program, funded from the Water Capital Fund (Enactment M2026-094). Barbara Lopez of San Patricio County spoke during the item; her position is not recorded.
September 8, executive session item 33, and September 15, executive session item 17: Council consulted attorneys on state and federal rules (EPA, TCEQ, TWDB, Texas Railroad Commission, San Patricio County Groundwater Conservation District), property and contract rights, and the purchase or value of the rights, including possible professional services, interlocal agreements and modified purchase and sale agreements with Evangeline Laguna, L.P. The minutes record only that the items were discussed in executive session.

Closed-session consultation (item 17). No open action.

Closed-session consultation (item 33). No open action.

Terracon testing amendment approved on consent; a San Patricio County resident spoke.

Consent item 5: groundwater rights lease with Evangeline Laguna LP, $1,000,000 initial payment. Vote not yet recorded (minutes not posted).