By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
PORT ISABEL—Disagreements over facility expansion, desalination proposals, environmental concerns, and future development dominated the October 12 meeting of the Port Isabel–San Benito Navigation District (PISBND) Board of Commissioners, where two proposed initiatives did not advance.
Under Item 8 of RFQ 2026-600, commissioners considered soliciting qualifications from design-build firms for district facility improvements.
Port Director Victor Barrera reported a successful visit to a local elementary school, where district representatives discussed introducing students to port operations. Barrera said the superintendent also invited representatives to visit additional campuses to educate students about the port.
Building on that outreach, PISBND Commissioner Jose L. Morales suggested expanding the district’s existing facilities to accommodate school groups, parents, and other community members. He envisioned a larger meeting and presentation space where visitors could learn about port operations and take tours, bringing students and families to the port rather than requiring Barrera to visit individual schools.
Commissioner Duvie Alcozer Woods favored establishing development priorities during the strategic planning workshop, scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, at 5:30 p.m., which was announced as open to the public, before proceeding with facility improvements. Morales’s motion to solicit qualifications from design-build firms failed for lack of a second.
Under Item 9 of RFP 2026-601, commissioners considered engaging expert consulting services for a desalination plant impact assessment.
Discussion became contentious when commissioners considered postponing the proposal to gather additional information from the Laguna Madre Water District regarding its proposed desalination project and plans to use port property.
Morales questioned delaying an independent assessment until the board evaluated the project’s feasibility and potential impacts.
The board ultimately tabled Item 9 pending further review of information from the water district.
Another contentious agenda item involved proposals to develop a desalination plant.
Under Item 11 of RFQ 2026-603, commissioners considered soliciting proposals for desalination plants.
Morales advocated broadening the district’s search beyond the local area to include established desalination companies across the United States.
Morales emphasized that companies already operating desalination facilities could offer proven technical expertise, established operating experience, and alternative development approaches. He argued that soliciting proposals would let commissioners compare qualified developers and explore additional options instead of relying solely on the Laguna Madre Water District’s proposed project.
He expressed concerns about whether those responsible for the proposed local project had sufficient experience with comparable facilities.
Morales also questioned project funding, communication, and environmental safeguards, suggesting that approximately $2,500 in advertising expenses could attract additional qualified developers.
He argued that seeking proposals would allow the district to examine alternatives before deciding whether to pursue a particular development.
Chairman Joe Martinez opposed the initiative, citing concerns about potential impacts on marine ecosystems, including fish, shrimp, and other aquatic species.
During the discussion, Martinez said, “I’m going to be a roadblock to your idea there,” explaining that he earns his living from the water and does not want desalination activities to harm the marine environment.
Morales emphasized that he shared concerns about protecting marine life, particularly shrimp larvae and other aquatic species that could be affected by desalination discharge.
He maintained that soliciting proposals from experienced companies outside the local area could provide commissioners with more comprehensive information on current desalination technologies, environmental safeguards, and proven operating practices before considering future development.
State Representative Janie Lopez (HD37; San Benito) recently announced that $10 million was secured to build a ten-million-gallon desalination plant for the Laguna Madre Water District.
“Working together with my elected officials to secure the resources needed for water and drainage infrastructure has been a priority,” she announced on her Facebook page. “This is a huge success, bringing an additional 10 million gallons of water daily! Thank you, Laguna Madre Water District, for the amazing partnership!”
The Laguna Madre District added, “Texas’ coastal communities need reliable water supplies — and investing in water infrastructure today helps prepare for tomorrow.”
“The Laguna Madre Water District received authorization from the Texas Water Development Board for $10 million in financing to plan, acquire, and design a seawater desalination project. The project is intended to help address long-term water supply needs in the Laguna Madre region,” the statement continued.
“Investments like this can help strengthen South Texas’ water future and support the communities, families, businesses, and industries that depend on a reliable water supply,” the statement concluded.
When Morales moved to advance Item 11, neither Woods nor Martinez seconded the motion, so it died without a vote.
During his director’s report, Barrera discussed infrastructure repairs and federal-grant projects. Barrera reported repairs to three sections of an aging sprinkler system following underground leaks. Maintenance crews also addressed rainfall-related erosion and damaged dock structures.
He provided updates on a Maritime Administration grant supporting a proposed engineering study of a travel lift, which is still subject to final federal approval.
After discussing transportation, meals, lodging, and registration costs, commissioners also approved itemized travel expenses for representatives attending November’s Houston International Maritime Conference.
Commissioner Woods was scheduled to attend but later canceled. According to written confirmation from the district’s administrative office, she canceled for personal reasons. Of her four reserved hotel nights, three were refundable, while one night, costing $268.52, was nonrefundable.
Her $514.86 conference registration was also nonrefundable, bringing the district’s total nonrefundable expenses to $783.38.
During the meeting, Barrera suggested allowing Morales’s wife, a former San Benito City Commissioner who planned to accompany him, to use the otherwise unused registration rather than letting it go to waste. Morales indicated he would recuse himself from considering the suggestion because it involved his wife.
Neither Woods nor Martinez approved the suggestion.
Additional discussions covered plans for a derelict-vessel disposal initiative scheduled for January 28–30, 2027.
The next regular board meeting is set for October 29 at 5:30 p.m.