Oakland County authorizes up to $5.5 million in bonds for Pontiac Woodward Loop sewer work

Oakland County commissioners voted unanimously to recommend issuing bonds not to exceed $5.5 million to fund sanitary sewer improvements associated with the Pontiac Woodward Loop project.

Ben Lewis, assistant chief engineer with the Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, told the board the work will reroute and replace sanitary sewer in conjunction with Michigan Department of Transportation roadway work to avoid duplicative excavation and to save construction costs. "We're going to be doing sanitary sewer improvements in conjunction with MDOT on their project," Lewis said.

Project engineer Mike Walsh said the plan is to abandon the sewer that runs beneath a building and reroute service around the structure, adding that the team has right-of-entry authority to construct the project but remains in negotiations over permanent easement compensation. "We valued the property that we're going to acquire at about $8,000," Walsh said. "They kicked it back and said, 'Well, we want 16.' ... They're probably going to shoot for 12."

Commissioners pressed staff on the status of easement negotiations and whether the county had adequate authority to complete the work if talks stall. Lewis said the county can exercise legal remedies if necessary and emphasized the project must proceed because of the risk of a sewer remaining under a building.

The measure was moved by Commissioner Markham and supported by Commissioner Smiley; the committee recorded a 7-0 favorable vote and forwarded the authorization to the finance committee for final action.

Next steps, as outlined by staff, include finalizing easements and coordinating schedules with MDOT so county crews do not excavate newly paved roadways and to use MDOT traffic control where feasible.

Authorities referenced: the county coordination with the Michigan Department of Transportation and standard easement negotiation practice. No timetable for construction beyond staff saying the work is expected "sometime next year."