$15 Million Going To Flint For Water Crisis Health Response
FLINT (WWJ/AP) - Federal officials say $15 million is going to provide health and social services for people who have had or are at risk for lead exposure stemming from Flint water crisis.
The funding announced Friday is previously authorized under a law providing $170 million to deal with drinking water safety issues. The $15 million goes to the Genesee County Health Department's Healthy Start Program.
Officials say the money aims to help residents with health issues linked to exposure to the water supply. Lead exposure can cause miscarriage, developmental delays and other problems.
Flint switched from the Detroit-area's system to the Flint River in 2014 to save money. The river water was not treated to reduce corrosion for 18 months. As a result, lead leached from old pipes and fixtures, causing elevated lead levels in children and leaving residents to drink and bathe with bottled or filtered water.
During the public health emergency, E. coli was detected along with high levels of a carcinogenic disinfectant byproduct. Experts suspect a deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreak was tied to the water.
Flint returned to the Great Lakes Water Authority, which services much of Detroit and the suburbs, in 2015.
© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.