STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – A lawsuit could cause a big delay in repairs at the site of a sewer collapse in Fraser.
Work on the sewer collapse along 15 Mile Road between Hayes and Utica roads has been ongoing since Dec. 24, 2016. That's when the collapse created a sinkhole beneath the neighborhood.
Crews are working around the clock to fix the sewer line, only taking breaks in the middle of the night. Watch the work live here.
However, the city of Sterling Heights is suing the Macomb Interceptor Drain Drainage District (MIDD), which is in charge of fixing the sewer. Sterling Heights claims it shouldn't have to kick in its part, which is about $22 million, to fix the problem. The city said the sinkhole in Fraser is MIDD's fault because it did not properly maintain the sewer line.
"We want to verify. If no work was done, then the wastewater district should be responsible for paying this $22 million, not Sterling Heights," said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor.
The MIDD was supposed to start selling bonds this week to pay for all of the work. However, the lawsuit could prevent MIDD from selling $70 million in bonds to finance the repair work along 15 Mile Road. The bonds were scheduled to be sold May 17.
Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller released the following statement:
"Our financial advisor has advised us that because Sterling Heights has filed this lawsuit, (that) we will be unable to sell the required bonds to finance the repair of the collapsed 15 Mile sewer interceptor. It is unclear at this time how we will proceed with this project."
On Friday, Sterling Heights offered to drop the lawsuit with a caveat: The ability to go after the district anyway. An emergency hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday.
Mayor Taylor said he doesn't want to stall the project. The city would give up its right to sue for the $22 million Sterling Heights residents would have to pay, but it would reserve the right to represent all 11 communities which are footing the bill and sue the district later.
DETAILS: 11 communities to foot bill for Fraser sinkhole fix