Proposed $1B desalination project teases ‘major announcement’

Regional business leaders, elected officials, and economic development stakeholders are expected to gather later this month as RGV Desal LLC prepares to provide an update on its proposed seawater desalination project and make what organizers describe as a “major announcement” regarding the future of water infrastructure in the Rio Grande Valley.

The event, hosted by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and RGV Desal, is scheduled for June 24 at the Embassy Suites in McAllen.

Organizers said attendees will receive an update on the proposed marine desalination project, which aims to diversify the region’s water supply through a large-scale seawater desalination facility planned near South Padre Island.

The announcement comes as water availability continues to emerge as one of the most pressing challenges facing communities, industries, and economic development efforts across South Texas.

RGV DESAL has proposed building a seawater desalination plant capable of producing up to 100 million gallons of water per day. The project, which carries an estimated $1 billion price tag, would draw water from the Gulf, treat it through reverse osmosis technology, and distribute it through a regional pipeline network.

Developers have previously said the facility could help support future industrial growth, municipalities, and other large water users while providing a drought-resistant water source independent of the Rio Grande.

The company announced in April that it had secured land for the project on South Padre Island and is pursuing environmental permitting and customer agreements.

Regional leaders have increasingly warned that water shortages are becoming a barrier to future growth.

During a previous RGV Desal presentation, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. said the Valley has already lost economic development opportunities because prospective employers questioned whether sufficient water supplies existed to support future operations.

“The Valley as a whole has lost out on numerous opportunities because the first question asked is, ‘Do you have enough water?’” Treviño said at the time.

State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa has similarly described water infrastructure as one of the region’s most urgent long-term challenges, citing ongoing drought conditions and increasing demand.

Organizers said the June 24 event will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to learn more about the project’s vision, regional impact, and next steps as planning efforts continue.

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Embassy Suites, 800 Convention Center Blvd. in McAllen.

RGV Desal has not disclosed the nature of the announcement expected during the meeting.