AG Bill Schuette to investigate Flint water crisis

Rick Snyder (R) is requesting emergency federal assistance to help deal with the drinking water crisis in Flint, Mich.

The financially strapped city was under control of a state-appointed emergency manager when it switched its source of tap water from Detroit’s system to the nearby Flint River in April 2014 to save money.

“I look forward to working with federal, state and local officials, community leaders and Flint residents as we seek answers regarding state law and hope through the process we can help restore some of the trust in our government while helping families move forward”.

Flint residents already are being urged to use drinking water filters, which are being distributed for free along with bottled water.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency is investigating why an anti-corrosive agent wasn’t used, as the lawsuit contends. “We’ve got to do something about it. They come back to me and say, ‘We’ve got this cleared up.'” Then Muchmore asked, “why does the water smell?” and the same thing happened again.

When Flint switched its water supply from the Detroit supply to the Flint River, it was intended as a temporary measure until a new water line to Lake Huron could be built.

“We are utilizing all state resources to ensure Flint residents have access to clean and safe drinking water and today I am asking President Obama to provide additional resources as our recovery efforts continue”, Snyder said in the statement.

The statement says Snyder’s request will be reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which will advise the president on whether the declarations should be granted. Exposure to lead can cause behavior problems and learning disabilities in children.

In northern MI, the Traverse City Record-Eagle reports that Suttons Bay Congregational Church is collecting bottles and jugs of water for a homeless shelter and soup kitchen in Flint. The new supply, from the Flint River, was saltier and corroded pipes, leaching lead into the system.

Snyder, who has also faced criticism, said Monday that the water situation is a “crisis” and last week declared an emergency.

On Tuesday, he activated the Michigan National Guard, and seven soldiers were initially sent to Flint.

Snyder announced the outbreak Wednesday, Jan. 13, during a press conference with the state’s top health officials.

He described his interactions with state officials after he had, during the summer, “a gut-level feeling (that) something is wrong here”.

Some Flint residents sued Snyder, other officials, MI and the city on January 7 in Genesee County court and are seeking class action status covering all residents.

– Gov. Rick Snyder offered the following statement supporting a request to return more executive powers to the mayor of Flint.