News

Actions

Michigan Senate OKs $28M to address Flint water crisis

Posted at 11:05 AM, Jan 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-28 11:05:47-05

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Senate has unanimously approved $28 million in additional funding to address the lead contamination of Flint’s water.

The emergency spending bill includes money for more bottled water and filters and services to monitor for developmental delays in young children. The funds also will help the city with unpaid water bills and cover testing, monitoring and other costs.

It is the second round of state funding allocated since the lead contamination was confirmed in the fall.

The House is expected to send the legislation to Gov. Rick Snyder later Thursday.

State regulators permitted Flint to not treat water for corrosion after the city switched its supply in 2014. That allowed lead from old pipes to leach into the water.

Snyder has promised to set aside more funding for Flint in his upcoming budget proposal.