Board of Water Commissioners, Bankruptcy Court Approve Bond Exchange

On August 22, 2014, the Board of Water Commissioners approved a deal under which 28% of existing water and sewer bond holders agreed to tender back their bonds. The Water Board's decision came just a day after the deadline for bond holders to accept DWSD's tender offer, which expired August 21st at 5:00 p.m. (EDT).  

Earlier today [8/25], the Bankruptcy Court overseeing the City of Detroit's bankruptcy proceedings approved DWSD's decision to buy back and redeem $1.67 billion worth of water and sewer bonds.

According to DWSD's Chief Financial Officer, Nicolette Bateson, refinancing these bonds will save $11.4 million a year fro the first 19 years. Refinancing will also allow DWSD to raise $150 million for capital improvements to the sewerage system. 

The Detroit News explained on Friday [8/22] that acceptance of the tender offer would also remove bondholders from the bankruptcy process, "taking the wind out of ongoing litigation over the water and sewer bonds" and increase the likelihood that the City's plan of adjustment will be approved by Judge Rhodes. 

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