TOLEDO, Ohio - A regional water authority is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Leaders from nine area communities signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday morning to for the Toledo Area Water Authority. Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, Sylvania Mayor Craig Stough and leaders from Maumee, Perrysburg, Sylvania, Whitehouse, Lucas County, Fulton County, Monroe Country and the Northwestern Water and Sewer District were signatories to the memo.
“There has been much work and many meetings on a regional water system,” Mayor Kapszukiewicz said. “We have studied it for more than a decade. If we do nothing, our rates will continue to go up. Today is another step in this process. It is not the end. We want everyone, the legislative representatives of every community, the residents, and the business owners, to look at the memorandum of understanding and ask questions. We want everyone to have as much information on this process as possible. We look forward to working with all and holding public meetings.”
Wendy Gramza, president and CEO of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce praised the signing as a example of collaberation between communities.
"The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce commends the region's elected officials for coming together to take this critical first step in forming a regional water authority that will benefit the businesses and residents of the region for generations to come. We are optimistic that TAWA will be an example for other collaborative efforts within the region."