Obama Says $80 Million Coming to Michigan to Help Improve Water Systems

On Thursday, President Obama announced that his administration will donate $80 million to Michigan to help Flint and other cities with their water systems.

President Obama spoke at a gathering of mayors at the White House on Thursday, calling the lead contamination of Flint's drinking water an "inexcusable" situation. Obama also stated that the money was secured in a bipartisan budget agreement.

“Our children should not have to be worried about the water that they’re drinking in American cities. That’s not something that we should accept.” - President Obama

 

United States Senator Debbie Stabenow thanked the President for his quick response to Michigan's request for federal assistance.

Shortly after the President announced the money coming to the state, Flint Mayor Karen Weaver released a statement saying "it was encouraging to hear President Obama say that $80 million will be coming to Michigan to help local governments, like the City of Flint, improve their water systems. The residents of Flint could benefit greatly from that type of money. We are waiting to see how much of the $80 million will be allocated to the City of Flint and how much of it will go elsewhere, but it's a astep in the right direction."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rejected Snyder’s request for aid, stating that they only support areas that have had natural catastrophes, fires, floods, or explosions.

According to the President, the funding will arrive by the end of the week.

[SOURCE: Detroit News]