Snyder Signs Funding Bill to Allow Flint to Move Back to Detroit Water

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed bipartisan legislation on Thursday that will "direct funding to the City of Flint's emergency water services" to reconnect back to Detroit water.

In a statement, Snyder said "this funding is a coordinated response to a serious problem and I'm pleased so many parties came together to help deliver safe drinking water to the city of Flint." He added that reconnecting to what is now the Great Lakes Water Authority "is only the first step, as the state will continue testing and inspections to insure Flint families and children have clean water in their homes and schools."

House Bill 4102 authorizes $6 million to move the city back to Detroit's water system until the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline is completed in mid-2016. In addition:

• $300,000 goes to the Dept. of environmental Quality's drinking water and environmental health services;
• $1 million will provide for DEQ to test water samples;
• $1 million allows the Dept. of Health and Human Services to purchase and distribute water  filters to Flint residents;
• $850,000 will aid in follow up services for children, including testing, investigations and case management for those with elevated blood levels;
• $200,000 will fund state plumbing inspections for schools and health facilities.

The City of Flint is providing $2 million toward reconnecting the water supply and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has committed $4 million.

The bill was approved unanimously in both the House and Senate and is now Public Act 143 of 2015.