Legislature moving quickly on emergency funds for Flint water fix

Flint’s financial advisory board has approved spending $2 million toward temporarily reconnecting with Detroit’s water system amid a health emergency. The Senate is expected to send the bill to the governor’s desk today.

Flint will provide $2 million to return to Detroit’s system and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation will give $4 million.

The appropriations bill, now heading to the Senate for consideration, includes $6 million in funding for Flint to reconnect to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department until a new Lake Huron pipeline is complete. He says lawmakers are moving so quickly he’s not sure where the money will come from.

Water sampling at Flint’s schools discovered a few instances of lead levels that exceed the federal safety standard.

State Representative Phil Phelps (D-Flint) says it will probably be a month before water from the tap is drinkable. “We were more interested in finding a solution than playing political games and that was really good to see”.

The city, operating under a state-appointed emergency manager, began supplying residents with Flint River water in April of 2014.

“This is a public health emergency in Flint”, he said.

Another $300,000 would help fund home and school water connections in Flint, and $200,000 would support plumbing inspections in educational and health facilities.

State officials also said last week that three schools also tested positive for elevated lead levels, including one elementary school where a sample showed a lead level of 101 parts per billion, nearly seven times the level that requires remediation.

“It’s a public health issue and we need to solve it”, said Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof. Residents have complained of a funky smell, taste and appearance, as well as adverse health reactions.

Hanna-Attisha says residents should continue to flush their pipes with cold water and use a lead removal filter.