President Barack Obama on Saturday declared a federal emergency in flint, freeing up to $5 million in federal aid.
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The president’s actions authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate responses and provide 75% federal funding.
One petition called for the governor to step down, “for failing to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Flint, which has resulted in a state of emergency for Genesee County because of toxic lead levels in the drinking water”.
Cher has asked fellow celebrities to help donate water to Flint, Michigan, after the city’s supply was contaminated.
Moore, surrounded by dozens of flag-waving and sign-toting Flint residents in front of the city’s municipal complex, said he must “insist” that Obama visit Wednesday, the same day the president is scheduled to tour the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. “The people of Flint deserve more than an apology”, Sanders said.
Sanders’ statement follows an investigation initiated by Michigan’s attorney general on Friday looking into the poisoning of Flint’s water – which began around two years before state officials first addressed it – to determine if any laws were broken.
Residents complained about the taste, odor and appearance of the water immediately after the switch, but those complaints were largely ignored by city officials. Lead exposure can lead to learning disabilities and behavioral problems in children.
The National Guard has been distributing free water, filters and other supplies, and FEMA workers already were providing logistical and technical support. “We need the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers”. The corrosive water from the Flint River lacked adequate treatment and caused lead to leach from old pipes in homes and schools.
The Iceland-based company said the water would go directly to community centers, food banks and fire stations in the city, with empty bottles returned to the food bank and recycled to provide a donation.
He has been criticised for his handling of the water crisis, with protesters calling for him to resign.
“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”.
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However, they did not treat the water properly, which led to lead and other metals leaching from old pipes.
