DWSD customers: Please provide public comments at today's 2pm Board hearing

[Sylvia Orduño]

Hello, all!

If you are a DWSD customer, please join today's Board of Water Commissioners hearing regarding the city's request to take out $109m in clean water ($39m) and drinking water ($70m) state revolving fund (SRF) loans. DWSD describes the need to replace water mains, take out lead service lines, CIPP and manhole rehab, pressure testing, etc.

Here is the DWSD Board agenda with links to slideshow presentations about the SRF loan requests. Zoom info is below.

They believe the loans will be forgiven due to the city's disadvantaged status regarding its debt service. If not, then the costs will be added to customer bills through rate hikes over the next 2 to 4 decades. 

SRF loans are the city's best chance to receive loan forgiveness but there are no guarantees. Each time DWSD seeks approval during hearings like today's, the identify that the loans are for limited projects in select neighborhoods and streets. Because much of the city requires work with inadequate funding to pay for it, SRF loan applications are an annual hearing request.

Please let the Board know:

a) Residential customers cannot continue to take on loan debt for the next several decades.

b) GLWA rate increases add further to the residential affordability burden.

c) DWSD must identify ways to expand and extend Lifeline program benefits and enrollment. EZ Pay is inadequate for the low income affordability problem.

d) DWSD should push GLWA to increase funding for WRAP that is commensurate/proportionate  with rate increases. 

e) DWSD needs to be more transparent with what full city water main and sewer pipe replacements and rehab will cost, along with full lead service line replacements. Residential customers have a right to know what the financial burden is expected to be on water bills through the next 2 to 4 decades.

Participate thru Zoom at 

To attend online:  https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/81572635118

Use Passcode: 482262021

Attend by phone: call one of these numbers:

+1-301-715-8592

+1-312-626-6799

+1-267-831-0333

Use Meeting ID: 815 7263 5118

Use Passcode: 482262021

Thank you!

Sylvia

[Sylvia Orduño]

AND, OF COURSE....

f) Remind the Board of their support for the Michigan State Senate's bipartisan water affordability bill package. We need their greater effort to secure this critical legislation AND to secure appropriations ASAP for the Lifeline program and other assistance programs until the legislation is passed.

Thank you,

Sylvia