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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *   

October 18, 2023   

Contact: [email protected]    

  

*Gov. Whitmer Announces Historic Infrastructure Repairs for Highland Park, Lowering Costs for Residents and Ending 10-Year Dispute with GLWA* 

 

*LANSING, Mich. — *Today, the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration helped broker a tentative deal between the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and Highland Park to end a 10-year dispute over unpaid water bills. Under the tentative agreement, the State of Michigan has committed to funding historic infrastructure repairs in Highland Park and within the GLWA service area. The city and water authority are also responsible for additional commitments under their side of the tentative agreement if approved by all parties. 

  

"Every Michigander should be able to live in a community that can deliver safe, affordable, and accessible water,” said *Governor Whitmer*. "I’m proud that GLWA and Highland Park are one step closer to an agreement to ensure that we can protect access to drinking water for every family in the community. An agreement will help move this community move forward, lower costs, and implement a fairer system for surrounding communities. Since I took office, we’ve made record investments in water infrastructure and affordability. I’ll continue working with local partners to offset costs, keep water rates affordable, and, most importantly, keep safe water flowing to homes in the region.”  

 

The water infrastructure in Highland Park is nearly 120 years old and utilizes antiquated or obsolete water mains to deliver water throughout the city. It is estimated that the city loses about 70% of its water due to inadequate infrastructure.  

 

Under the tentative agreement, which was unanimously approved at a city council meeting this evening by Highland Park but must still be approved by the GLWA board, the State of Michigan has committed to: 


* Fund installation of master water and temporary sewer meters in Highland Park. 
* Fund water main and service line replacement efforts within Highland Park. 
* Release a $25 million sewer infrastructure grant for GLWA that was previously appropriated. 
* Fund a $5 million grant for GLWA for drinking water infrastructure. 
* Revise the administrative consent order to include settlement terms under EGLE. 

 

“Our goal has always been to resolve the situation in a way that one, doesn’t put this large financial judgment on the backs of Highland Park residents, and two, addresses long-term water infrastructure needs of Highland Park,” said *state Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit)*. “The agreement that was reached today does both and puts to rest an issue that has plagued this community for a decade. I’m grateful that Governor Whitmer joined us in bringing the two sides together to find a solution. We’ve shown that this legislature can solve our state’s biggest problems in a way that puts residents first.” 

 

“We’ve heard from Highland Park leaders and residents about their concern regarding the city’s outstanding water debt,” said *state Representative Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park)*. “This complicated issue has years of history, and while we acknowledge the city is in better financial shape than in years past, Highland Park residents, many of whom are seniors on a fixed income, in poverty, or low-income households, simply do not have the financial ability to take on this judgment without devastating consequences. The agreement that was approved by the city today is a win for Highland Park and the surrounding communities, who will see major savings and record infrastructure upgrades in their neighborhoods. I want to thank the Whitmer Administration for working with us as we found a solution to this decade-long issue.” 

 

By replacing the water mains and service lines, the city can contain the water within the system, which will lower the cost for residents, and prevent any leaks into the sewage system.  

 

The State of Michigan also agree to install water master meters on water lines and sufficient temporary meters to estimate the sewage flow produced by Highland Park. By doing this, the city and GLWA will have an accurate accounting of residents’ water and sewage usage, which should prevent future disputes over water and sewer bills. The new system will ensure full accountability and sustainability going forward. 

 

Finally, the state has committed to offsetting costs for residents in the GLWA service area by providing $30 million for infrastructure upgrades within the regional water system.  

 

Currently, Highland Park and GLWA are engaged in litigation related to approximately $55 million total in disputed water bills. Under the agreement, if approved by all parties, the ongoing lawsuits will be dismissed, including the nearly $24 million judgement against Highland Park.  

 

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