A. G. Launches Criminal Investigation in Flint Water Crisis

Matt goes on to insist the problems in Flint are devastating for the local community, telling Sky News, “What is happening in Flint is really sickening, you know…”

It was Snyder’s administration that allowed a spokesman for Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality to say, publicly, that “anyone who is concerned about lead in the drinking water in Flint can relax”.

Schuette had declined to investigate in December but later reversed course and announced the inquiry January 15.

However, it is unclear whether Schuette’s office can legally bar the city from collecting water-bill payments, NBC News reported.

Lawsuits filed against the governor and the state of MI will be supervised by Chief Deputy Attorney General Carol Isaacs and Chief Legal Counsel Matthew Schneider.

Arena was the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office from 2007 – 2012.

The temporary switch to the Flint River and the total disregard for life displayed by officials at all levels were unconscionable and cost citizens a great deal regardless of the ultimate reason for it. However, given the significant amounts of money in play here, and given that the reason generally cited for government callousness was cost-saving, it is vital to know and understand just what the actual objectives were for the switch.

“For him to step forward and say something good… this time I agree with him”, he said.

“This will be a thorough investigation”. Former Flint Mayor Dwayne Walling and local residents were launching Facebook campaigns as early as February 2015 to try to get the governor to fix the situation as fast as possible.

“I’ve consulted with an ethics attorney”, Flood said. “There needs to be an answer where people can understand and hold accountable, if any, those who were at fault….” But it’s also showing the residents of Flint that people do care.

Brewer said if you see anything out of the ordinary in your tap water, you should contact City Utilities to have them test your water quality at your home.

The financially struggling city switched from Detroit’s municipal water system and began drawing from the Flint River in 2014 to save money. Estimates to replace the city’s water pipes run as high as $1.5 billion.

He gave no timetable for the investigation, which he opened more than four months after a Virginia Tech researcher said the Flint River was leaching lead from pipes into people’s homes because it was not treated for corrosion.

Bush said he admired the way Snyder has taken responsibility for the water crisis.

The EPA also announced it will put forward a revision to the Lead and Copper Rule, based in part on the experiences in Flint. Snyder will outline a 2017 budget proposal in February, which is sure to include substantial funding for Flint.

The letter comes amid growing concerns over contaminated drinking water in Flint, Mich., with President Obama declaring a state of emergency for Flint and the surrounding area.