Pres. Obama signs disaster declaration as protests rage in Flint

Snyder declared a state of emergency for Genesee County and announced that he asked President Barack Obama to declare a federal emergency in response to the water crisis this week.

The FEMA fact sheet stipulates that, “Should the state request federal disaster assistance, FEMA will review the request and make a recommendation to the president, who will make the final determination on any disaster aid to be provided to the state”. Snyder said 90 days of clean drinking water could cost $10.3 million, and home filters, filter cartridges and testing kits could cost $31 million over a year. His administration has been criticized for taking too long to respond to the crisis. 16, 2016, the president signed emergency declaration and ordered federal aid for Flint, Mich., authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Homeland Security Department to coordinate relief efforts.

No disaster declaration was part of Saturday’s announcement from the White House. “Moore’s petition calls for the arrest and prosecution of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder…”/ (EnviroNews World News) – Flint, Michigan – Academy Award winning documentary filmmaker and Flint, Michigan native Michael Moore has launched a petition – and that call to action has been growing like wildfire online. On Friday, it was also learned that 12 petitions calling for the recall of Governor Snyder had been filed with the state Board of Canvassers.

Under a federal disaster declaration, normally reserved exclusively for natural disasters rather than man-made ones such as the one in Flint, much larger sums are available.

Residents of Flint were forbidden from using the city’s water after it came to light that the municipal water system had been comprised by dangerously high levels lead.

The decision was made while the city was under a state-appointed emergency manager to rein in finances.

Problems arose after state officials ignored months of health warnings about the foul-smelling water as residents complained that it was making them sick.

Lead poisoning is unsafe for anyone, but Flint Mayor Karen Weaver has pointed to research showing how lead exposure can affect a developing child’s IQ, resulting in learning disabilities. Now that all the players have finally entered the arena, we will watch and wait to see if the citizens of Flint will get what they deserve; some sort of justice for the unspeakable situation they have had to go through.

“I will continue to push for federal resources to address this crisis, and for a commitment of resources from the state to meet the immediate needs of the community and to set aside a Future Fund to address the long-term needs of children and families”, Stabenow said.