US President Barack Obama has signed an emergency declaration that clears the way for federal aid for Flint, Michigan, which is undergoing a drinking water crisis.
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The tap water in Flint, population 99,000, became contaminated after the city switched from the Detroit water system to the Flint River while a pipeline to Lake Huron is under construction.
A White House press release said the administration authorized “water, water filters, water filter cartridges, water test kits and other necessary related items” be provided to residents.
FEMA said emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.
“I have pledged to use all state resources possible to help heal Flint, and these additional resources will greatly assist its efforts under way to ensure every resident has access to clean water resources”.
The question of who knew about the danger – and when – has led to a political crisis in Flint, with protesters calling for the governor’s resignation.
On Friday, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette launched an investigation into the water crisis. Cher is offering assistance to the people of Flint, Michigan, whose water supply has been contaminated with lead since 2014. Flint has since returned to Detroit’s system for its water, but officials remain concerned that damage to the pipes caused by the Flint River could allow them to continue leaching lead. On Tuesday, he activated the National Guard to help in distributing water, filters and other supplies and asked for help from FEMA in coordinating a recovery plan. “The people of Flint deserve more than an apology”.
Residents’ complaints about the taste, odor and appearance of the water, which began immediately after the switch, were largely ignored by state officials.
Typically, federal aid for an emergency is capped at $5 million, though the president can commit more if he reports it to Congress.
The move follows a call for the arrest of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder by the documentary film maker Michael Moore. More important, it is thought to be the cause of high levels of lead that have been detected in the water and in the bloodwork of Flint children.
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The U.S. Justice Department is helping the Environmental Protection Agency investigate events surrounding what’s been declared a public health and federal emergency situation in Flint. The children of Flint, already amongst the poorest in the US, will now have to endure a life of pain, irreversible brain damage and lower IQ’s because of Governor Snyder’s actions.
