Waukesha-Oak Creek Water Deal: $183 Million

So much for that earlier $261 million construction cost estimate in the Waukesha diversion application for a water deal with Oak Creek.

Was that designed to push a deal to Milwaukee, Waukesha's once-preferred seller, for a mere $164 million - - a deal which Waukesha chose not to negotiate.

The deal - - Waukesha and Oak Creek's Common Councils approved letters of intent in separate meetings Tuesday night - - becomes part of Waukesha's pending application for a Lake Michigan diversion.

The Wisconsin DNR is reviewing the application, and it needs the approval of all eight Great Lakes state governors before the project would begin.

Waukesha must offer its customers a new water supply by June 30, 2018.