On Tuesday afternoon, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder declared a state of emergency for Genesee County due to the "ongoing health and safety issues caused by lead in the City of Flint's drinking water."

In a statement Snyder said "the health and welfare of Flint residents is a top priority and we're committed to a coordinated approach with resources from state agencies to address all aspects of this situation. Working in full partnership with the Flint Water Advisory Task Force, all levels of government and water quality experts, we will find both short-term and long-term solutions to ensure the health and safety of Flint residents."

By declaring an emergency, Snyder has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery operations. The declaration (which can be viewed here) authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to coordinate state efforts. The governor also activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response and recovery activities.

Genesee County officials declared a "local state of emergency" on Monday, January 4 while the City of Flint has been under a local emergency declaration since December 14, 2015.

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