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Snyder hires lawyers for Flint water issues

Posted at 10:30 AM, Mar 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-03 10:30:43-05

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has hired two outside lawyers to assist with civil representation and to search and process emails and other records connected to Flint’s lead-tainted water crisis.

Snyder spokesman Ari Adler confirmed in an email Thursday that Eugene Driker and Brian Lennon have each been awarded a contract worth $249,000 through Dec. 31.

The contracts were first reported Wednesday by Crain’s Detroit Business.

Further, the Detroit Free Press reported Thursday that the state was paying for the two defense attorneys.

The office of Michigan’s attorney general is representing the Republican governor and others in lawsuits filed over the water situation.

If consumed, lead can cause developmental delays and learning disabilities.

Separately, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday that $3.6 million in emergency funds will be used to expand Head Start and Early Head Start services for Flint children.