Congressman says water help request is key step

MI health officials said they can’t conclude that the increase was related to Flint’s water, although concerned residents blitzed the county health department with phone calls Thursday.

Protesters gathered in the State Capitol building Thursday to demand Snyder’s ouster, and we’re told they will be heading back next Tuesday for the State of the State address.

Rick Snyder has asked President Barack Obama to issue an emergency and major disaster declaration amid a drinking water crisis in Flint that began months ago.

Snyder’s request will be reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which will advise the president on whether the declarations should be granted, the statement said.

Drinking water in the region has seen elevated lead levels since officials switched the source from Detroit’s municipal supply to the Flint River.

Health officials this week also disclosed a past spike in Legionnaire’s disease in the Flint area and said it was unclear if there was a connection to the drinking water problems. Earlier this week, he sent the Michigan National Guard to distribute bottled water and other supplies.

The Republican governor said in a statement released shortly before midnight Thursday that he requested federal aid in Genesee County to protect the safety of Flint residents.

If Snyder’s request is approved, the individual assistance could include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and the public assistance would help agencies such as city schools and the water system.

Just as Gov. Rick Snyder has been widely criticized for not responding more quickly to the crisis, Schuette has faced criticism for not opening an investigation sooner. “Having strong ties with our friends at Perrin Brewing in MI definitely made this effort even more meaningful to everyone at Oskar Blues and CAN’d Aid”, says Chad Melis of Oskar Blues.

Snyder said Friday that Weaver’s full authority as mayor should be restored.

Because of its poor finances, Flint government was under state emergency management for years and still is overseen by an advisory board.

The Obama administration will consider Michigan’s request for assistance with the city of Flint’s water crisis expeditiously, the White House said on Friday.

Schuette will work with federal, state and local officials, along with Flint residents and community leaders, as his office seeks answers to the ongoing crisis. But in December, the city found that water lead levels were still “well above” the acceptable federal level in many homes. The corrosive river water caused lead in old pipes to leach into drinking water. Exposure to lead can cause behavior problems and learning disabilities in children.

Snyder told the group of several dozen at the auto show reception sponsored by Delta Air Lines that the Flint crisis was “something we wish would never happen to anyone”.