Residents had been pleading with the state to act since the summer, saying their water was discolored and foul-smelling, but Republican Gov. Rick Snyder did not declare a state of emergency until mid-December. The EPA told the state it needed to use chemical treatments to prevent lead lines and plumbing from getting into Flint’s drinking water, but the agency did nothing to publicize its concerns over the city’s water despite the state’s refusal to control against lead poisoning.
Advertisement
Flint residents have complained for some time about the unusual odor and color of the water coming out of their taps, but apparently nothing has been done for as long as a year.
The president rejected Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s appeal for a disaster declaration, which would have allocated more federal funds and resources.
On Monday, the National Guard sent in more troops to hand out bottled water, filters and testing kits. “Such comments from political candidates who are not working toward a solution to the problems only serve as a distraction from the vital work that is being accomplished”. He said he and his three kids utilize two cases of water each day, NBC News reports. “We are a predominantly African American community”.
“This is more of a call to action State of the State”, the Snyder adviser told The News.
After taking the cheaper option in 2014, Flint, about 100 km northwest of Detroit, has now reverted to its original supplier after tests revealed elevated lead levels in the water and in the blood of some children.
In response to a continuing water crisis in Flint, Michigan, a resident in the town has launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at providing clean water for Flint citizens.
The city returned to Detroit water in October.
“Flint residents and children deserve to hear Governor Snyder take responsibility for this man-made disaster that was created by his administration”, Congressman Kildee said.
“The state of emergency only gives us a $5 million cap”, explains Flint City Councilman Wantwaz Davis”, adding that a disaster declaration would provide $96 million or more.
“Gov. Snyder announced the state was coordinating with FEMA days before and [was] dealing with the crisis on Thursday, not watching political talk shows”, he said. Snyder declared a state of emergency this month.
“I want to solve this problem”, he said.
Advertisement
Flint’s water garnered some attention when leading Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders both made a point of mentioning it during Sunday’s debate. However, the city did not treat corrosive water properly, which led to metal leaching from old pipes.
