Janurary 21, 2016
This is (local) government abuse at it's finest...or worst, depending on your perspective.
FEMA can provide up to $5 million in federal aid to help provide water, filters, and other items for up to 90 days to residents whose water has been contaminated since the city switched water supplies in a cost-cutting move in 2014.
Flint, which had long received water from Lake Huron provided by Detroit’s water utility, began drawing its water from the Flint River in 2014 in an effort to save money while a new pipeline was built. Residents soon complained about rashes and strange odors from the river water, but city and state officials mostly insisted that it was safe to drink. Last year, elevated levels of lead were found in children’s blood. In October, Flint switched back to Detroit’s water system.
But that did not satisfy many of his critics, including Senator Bernie Sanders, the Democratic presidential candidate, who on Saturday called for the governor’s resignation.
“Because of the conduct by Governor Snyder’s administration and his refusal to take responsibility, families will suffer from lead poisoning for the rest of their lives,” Mr. Sanders said in a statement. “Children in Flint will be plagued with brain damage and other health problems. The people of Flint deserve more than an apology.”