Reps. Taub, Drolet, LaJoy, Amos, Stakoe, Acciavatti, Bradstreet, Brandenburg, Caul, DeRossett, Ehardt, Farhat, Garfield, Huizenga, Koetje, Meyer, Milosch, Pastor, Robertson, Stahl, Tabor, Voorhees and Woronchak offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 159.

            A resolution to create a select committee to review the practices and policies of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.

            Whereas, The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is responsible for providing water services to 4.3 million people in more than 125 communities in 8 counties in southeastern Michigan.  In recent years, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department has drawn increasing criticism over apparent inconsistencies in its policies, questionable rate differences among communities, and uncertain lines of authority and communication.  With the magnitude of the system's impact on the most populous region of Michigan, the operation of this system and the issues raised need to be correctly identified and addressed; and

            Whereas, An audit conducted to review the department's rate setting uncovered millions of dollars in overcharges to Oakland County communities.  This discovery has raised serious questions about the accuracy of rates charged throughout the system and the efficiency of many of its procedures; and

            Whereas, The efficiency of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is vitally important to Michigan's future.  The massive power blackout of August 14, 2003, reignited concerns over problems with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.  Problems could be very harmful not only to area residents and businesses but also to the state's competitiveness; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That there be created a select committee to review the practices and policies of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, including the setting of rates throughout the system; the department's billing practices, processes, and procedures; how the department will refund overcharges; and clarifying the oversight relationship between the department and the Southeast Michigan Consortium for Water Quality.  The select committee to review the practices and policies of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department shall consist of 7 members of the House of Representatives appointed in the same manner as standing committees of the House of Representatives.  The select committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the Michigan Legislature by June 30, 2004.