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County staff seek up to $5.5M in bonds to fix century‑old sewers ahead of Woodward Loop road work in Pontiac
Summary
Oakland County’s Water Resource Commissioner requested a notice of intent to issue up to $5.5 million in bonds to finance sewer repairs that can be done concurrently with MDOT’s Woodward Loop road conversion in Pontiac; commissioners praised the dig‑once coordination as cost‑saving and efficient.
County engineers asked the Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee to recommend a notice of intent (NOI) to issue debt — not to exceed $5.5 million — to fund sewer improvements in the Woodward Loop area of Pontiac.
Ben Lewis, assistant chief engineer with the Water Resource Commissioner’s office, said the work is coordinated with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) as MDOT converts Woodward Avenue from one‑way to two‑way traffic. Lewis said county crews and contractors seek to “dig once” — performing sewer repairs while MDOT performs major pavement and traffic work — to avoid tearing up recently repaired pavements and to reduce overall costs. The NOI cap was described as conservative; presenters expect final borrowing needs may be lower than the $5.5 million cap.
Commissioners pressed for clarity on project oversight and cost benefits. Lewis said MDOT will bid and manage the road project while the county coordinates and oversees the sewer work; using a single contractor for overlapping scope reduces coordination problems and potential rework. Commissioner Markham said the approach “does two projects at once” and improves long‑term infrastructure for residents.
The committee approved the motion to recommend the NOI. The presentation did not include a final bond authorization or sale; the NOI allows the county to proceed with preliminary financing steps and to return with exact terms if needed.
