Intro:
When the lights went out in across the Nation, people in Detroit and
the suburbs were either boiling their water, or they didn't have
water at all. In Highland Park, water was supplied at an optimal
pressure. It was as if nothing had happed. Got Water?
Problem:
Highland Park has it's own Water Plant. It was designed to service
two major industries and 60,000 people.
The auto industries have moved out, the population has dropped from
a population of 53,000 to under 17,000
What's left of the tax base is insufficient to maintain a utility of
this magnitude.
This has lead to high water bills and scant services. People are
having their water cut off for not paying their bills, people are
very angry.
The cut-off of water to low income residents
for non-payment is unacceptable and demands an immediate solution.
This issue cannot wait. I look forward to hear what solutions
members of this break-out session can put forward for the Governors
Office to evaluate.
Solutions:
Highland Park has it's own Water Plant. With
some guidance from the Governors Office, Highland Park could be a
supplier of water to surrounding cities. If a feasibility study were
to be brought forthcoming, we would know what our options are. If
neighboring cities could be enticed to have their water supplied by
us, the Water Department would be a desirable asset instead of a
white elephant.
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