Governor Rick Snyder has thanked the Michigan Senate for its action to give $28 million in emergency funding to address Flint's water crisis. The crisis has caused a series of problems that culminated with lead contamination, creating a serious public health danger.
The money will be used for many purposes such as pay for bottled water, faucet filters, testing kits, additional school nurses, medical treatment and helps with the city's unpaid water bill. There are also funds to hire outside experts to figure out whether Flint's water infrastructure need to be completely replaced.
A state of emergency for 28 days has been announced by Gov. Rick Snyder on Jan 5. He called out The National Guard to assist with water and filter distribution. But that state emergency will continue 73 days issued by the Senate and House, Detroit Free Press Reports.
Since the Flint's water crisis, Michigan's legislature has approved the funding which the total allocated to nearly $39 million.
Flint's water was contaminated with lead about two years ago when the city went under emergency state management. The state decided to temporarily switch Flint's water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River to save money until a new supply line to Lake Huron was ready. State regulators failed to ensure the new water was properly treated and lead from pipes leached into the water supply. Besides, the river is known by the Flint's residents for its poor quality.
Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich said that Flint has a number of issues to deal with, but the important is to start the focus on the assessment and providing of services.
As quoted by US News, Governor Snyder stated that about 200 children have been identified but more need to be tested. Lead is a toxin which is linked to learning disabilities, lower IQ, and behavioral problems.
The damage to Flint's water distribution infrastructure is very high. According to an assessment cited in the state's request for federal assistance is about $713 million, but the governor and the state legislature which are the Republicans said it is too fast talking about large scale replacement of the pipes.
Two senators from Michigan Democrats Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters and a Republican Dan Kildee said on Thursday in Congress they want to support for up to $600 million. They will offer an amendment to a pending Senate Energy bill that would provide up to $400 million to replace or fix lead pipes and $ 200 million in federal funds to build a research center to focus on the needs of children, News Daily reports.
Meanwhile, the Obama administration doesn't have any plans to place Flint under some kind of special category, said White House Spokesman Josh Earnest.
Flint's water crisis has a serious impact on Flint's residents. The potential for harm continues because of damage done to Flint's water distribution infrastructure. The Michigan Governor and lawmakers have to coordinate and support each other to end the crisis.
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