DETROIT [[WJBK) - The Detroit City Council voted to approve the regional water authority Friday creating a partnership between the city and Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. In the plan, the city would lease its treatment plants and water mains to the Great Lakes Water Authority for $50 million a year.
Over the last three years the city of Detroit suffered 5,000 water main breaks in Detroit over the last three years. Aging pipes are the problem and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says a regional water authority is the best solution.
On Friday afternoon Detroit City Council members approved the Great Lakes Water Authority by a vote of 7-2. "It's not the perfect deal but it's the best deal we have right now," said councilman Andre Spivey, who voted yes. "This way we feel we own the asset."
The new water authority will lease the water and sewer system for $50 million a year for 40 years. That money will be spent to fix the antiquated system. Detroit maintains owners ship and operation of everything within city limits. The board will have six members, two appointed by Duggan and one each appointed by Wayne, Oakland and macomb counties and Gov. Rick Snyder. "We're in a financial situation like this, we have to take these steps to improve the lives of our residents," said councilman James Tate who voted yes.
Not everyone agrees. City Council President Brenda Jones and council member Mary Sheffield both voted no, saying that it should be up to voters to decide. At the meeting, many people spoke out against the deal during public comment "This deal is abominable," said one resident. The authority likely would have been pushed forward by the emergency manager, no matter how the council voted.
The plan must now be approved by at least one of the counties - a vote on that is expected next month.


http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/26...ater-authority