Detroit committee previews $18M stormwater contract and flags property acquisitions for Brightmoor work

The committee reviewed a Detroit Water and Sewerage Department contract (No. 6007080) on June 16 that would provide program management for a green stormwater infrastructure permit and associated projects, including work in the Brightmoor area.

Marcratia (Marcratia) Welch, DWSD procurement manager, said the contract uses 100 percent DWSD capital funds and that the $18,000,000 agreement (through 05/31/2030) will support compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). DWSD engineer Anna Timmis said the contract will focus on the Upper Rouge tributary and near‑East Side areas and will support design and construction administration as projects proceed.

Committee members asked about property acquisition and a resolution of necessity; DWSD staff said property acquisition work was focused on early phases and that a resolution for the necessary property transfers will be presented to the PE committee in July. The chair said she wanted to review permitting, property‑transfer mechanics and the resolution together so council members and the public have a clear picture before construction funding is sought.

The committee voted to bring the item back in two weeks for further discussion and to track the resolution and permitting steps before advancing to formal council action.

No final appropriation vote occurred at the June 16 meeting; council and staff agreed on further review and additional staff briefings.