Obama Declares Federal Emergency In Flint
LANSING (WWJ) -- Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's request for federal aid in Flint was granted by President Barack Obama on Saturday, which will begin to help give residents access to safe, clean water.
An additional request for a major disaster declaration was not granted. The authorization means that the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will coordinate efforts to provide water, water filters, water filter cartridges, water test kits, and other necessary related items to the city's residents for up to 90 days.
"I appreciate the President approving my federal emergency request and supporting Flint during this critical situation," Snyder said, who sent the request on Thursday. "I have pledged to use all state resources possible to help heal Flint, and these additional resources will greatly assist in efforts underway to ensure every resident has access to clean water resources."
Flint switched its water supply from Detroit water to water from the Flint River in 2014. Residents then began complaining about the smell, taste and color of the water.
Flint mayor Karen Weaver declared a state of emergency in December after new blood test results showed that 21 children and nine adults had elevated lead levels in their blood. Test results also showed that lead levels in the water are lower now than they were over the summer, before Flint switched back to Detroit's water supply in October.
Weaver, speaking live on WWJ Newsradio 950, said that she is overwhelmed and relieved that Flint's voices have finally been heard.
"I'm glad that the president heard our cry," Weaver said. "They're going to be assessing what is happening in our city and determining what needs to happen next. This is just excitement for us here in Flint."
The federal government will supply $5 million that can be used for federal emergencies, and the state is required to match 25 percent. If the $5 million is exhausted, Congress has the option to approve additional funding.
"For almost two years, the people have been crying out," Weaver said. "But they've been rallying and one of the things is that we never gave up hope, we didn't stop."
The NAACP released a statement regarding Obama's decision to grant Snyder's request.
"An investigation is a positive and much needed step in the right direction, but immeasurable damage has already been done by exposing thousands of Flint residents to the debilitating, irreversible, even life-threatening effects of the buildup of lead in one's system," the release stated. "And the devastating impact on young children can result in mental, physical and developmental damage that can last a lifetime."
The governor had also requested a major disaster declaration, which was denied based on the legal requirement that under the Stafford Act disaster relief is available only for natural events, fires, floods, or explosions. The state is now actively reviewing the process for appealing the disaster declaration denial.