Tuesday, May 10, 2011

DWSD Suspends Upcoming Projects, New Strategic Plan in the Works

On May 3, 2011, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department announced that it would revisit the spending outlined in its 2011-2015 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), for both water and wastewater construction projects.  The CIPs are updated annually; the last update was in July, 2010.

Deputy Director Darryl Latimer notes that DWSD "will be engaging in a detailed review of every project in the CIPS, striving to produce revised plans to be published by July 1 [2011]." 
Therefore, effective immediately, ALL projects that have not yet been initiated are to be halted until further notice. Work can only proceed with specific and formal authorization from the office of the Assistant Director of Financial Services prior to the final authorization from the Deputy Director. This includes task authorization of as needed services, amendments and new contracts.
Commentary: It is unclear whether Mr. Latimer's reference to "projects that have not yet been initiated" means some or all of the projects listed on DWSD's April, 2001 "Proposed Quarterly Construction and Consultant Contracts." If so, this would mean further delays in bidding and construction of the Springwells Water Treatment Plant 1958 Filter Rehabilitation Project (SP-563).  The Springwells WTP project is listed as a "New Project" in the July, 2010 Water Supply System CIP, with an estimated budget of $120 million.  This highly-anticipated project was to have come out for bids in late-2010, and then early-2011. Stay tuned as things develop.  

DWSD Strategic Planning Initiative - May 3, 2011

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