Board authorizes up to $5.5M in bonds for Pontiac sewer project; expands stormwater-rebate pilot with EPA grant

Oakland County commissioners authorized up to $5.5 million in bonds for sewer repairs tied to MDOT work on the Pontiac Woodward Loop and approved acceptance of an EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant to expand a successful homeowner stormwater-rebate pilot.

Assistant Chief Engineer Ben Lewis described the Woodward Loop project as a coordination with MDOT that will allow county sewer work to occur while state road construction proceeds, reducing future traffic disruptions and saving money on pavement restoration. The board approved authorization to sell bonds not to exceed $5.5 million to fund the sewage disposal improvements.

Stephanie Petrillo, environmental planner for the Water Resources Commissioner's Office, said the EPA grant will extend the RAS Smart Rebates homeowner DIY stormwater program for two more years, expanding the pilot boundary to 24 municipalities and reserving about $270,000 for homeowner rebate payments; nonprofit partners such as Friends of the Rouge and Clinton River Watershed Council will perform site assessments and subawards. "About $270,000 will be reserved for homeowner rebate payments for those who go through the program in the next two years," Petrillo said.

Commissioners noted the program’s high demand and wait lists in pilot areas; staff said they will notify existing applicants when enrollment for the expanded program opens. Both items were approved by the board during the session.

What happens next: The Water Resources office will execute the EPA grant work plan and subawards; the Water Resources team and county finance will proceed with bond authorization activities to prepare for issuance.