Critics say state tax break helps petrochemical companies and hurts public schools

The Corpus Christi Ship Channel in April. Using a tax break known as Title 313, companies have reduced their tax burden while building a number of large oil, gas and chemical facilities near Corpus Christi. (Credit: Pu Ying Huang/The Texas Tribune)

The nonprofit publication Capital & Main produced this article. It is co-published with permission.

CORPUS CHRISTI — Gliding through the shallow channel on the north side of Corpus Christi Bay, you will see stubborn remnants of a barrier island estuary that was once home to vast oyster beds, seagrass meadows, teeming fish nurseries and abundant alligators. You will see dolphins, terns, maybe even a roseate spoonbill.