Title
Resolution Authorizing Publication of Notice of Intent to Issue Sewage Disposal System Revenue Bonds
Body
Agenda of: January 28, 2026
Item No.: 2025-384
Amount: Not to Exceed $400,000,000
TO: The Honorable
Board of Directors
Great Lakes Water Authority
FROM: Suzanne R. Coffey, P.E.
Chief Executive Officer
Great Lakes Water Authority
DATE: January 28, 2026
RE: Resolution Authorizing Publication of Notice of Intent to Issue Sewage Disposal System Revenue Bonds
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Nicolette N. Bateson, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, the Board of Directors (Board) of the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), approve the Resolutions Authorizing Publication of Notices of Intent to Issue Sewage Disposal System Revenue Bonds in the amounts of not to exceed $400,000,000 as presented, and authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND
GLWA is presently preparing for future bond transactions and state revolving fund loan programs for the regional system as well as conferring with the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department (DWSD) related to local system debt needs. This process begins with the publication of the Notices of Intent (NOI) to Issue Sewage Disposal System Revenue Bonds. The NOI is required pursuant to Section 33 of Public Act 94 of 1933 to begin the 45-day referendum period as noted below.
“If within 45 days after the publication of the [applicable] notice a petition, signed by not less than 10% or 15,000 of the registered electors, whichever is less, residing within the limits of the borrower, is filed with the clerk, or other recording officer, of the borrower, requesting a referendum upon the question of the issuance of the bonds, then the bonds shall not be issued until approved by the vote of a majority of the electors of the borrower qualified to vote and voting on the bonds at a general or special election.”
If the 45-day referendum period expires without a petition requesting a referendum, then the Authority may authorize and issue such bonds in one or more series.
JUSTIFICATION
Attached to this memo is a proposed resolution authorizing the publication of a Notice of Intent to issue sewage disposal system revenue bonds in the amounts of not to exceed $400,000,000. This authorization would provide for continued funding for improvements to the systems that includes the following.
1. GLWA and DWSD projects through subsidized State and federal funding programs such as the State Revolving Fund and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Loan Program; and
2. GLWA and DWSD projects through revenue bonds sold as public offerings.
BUDGET IMPACT
There is no budget impact from issuing the Notices of Intent. The budget impact will be determined at the time debt is issued.
COMMITTEE REVIEW
This matter was reviewed by the GLWA Audit Committee at its meeting on December 19, 2025. The Audit Committee unanimously recommends the Board of Directors approve the resolution authorizing publication of Notices of Intent to Issue Sewage Disposal System Revenue Bonds of not to exceed $400,000,000 as presented.