Federal Emergency Declared in Michigan

Affected Flint residents to receive water, water filters, water filter cartridges, water test kits…

Michigan Contaminated Water (EM-3375)

• Incident period: April 25, 2014 – continues…
• Emergency Declaration declared on January 16, 2016

The White House has declared that an emergency exists in the State of Michigan in the area affected by contaminated water.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act,

FEMA has been authorized, under Title V of the Stafford Act, “to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in Genesee County,” by identifying, mobilizing, and providing, “at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.  This emergency assistance is to provide water, water filters, water filter cartridges, water test kits, and other necessary related items for a period of no more than 90 days.”

The emergency declaration follows a January 14 request submitted by Michigan Gov. Snyder, who has been heavily criticized for his handling of the crisis.

The state officials allegedly exposed nearly everyone in the city of Flint to lead poisoning and other contaminants in the drinking water.

Background

Flint Mayor Dr. Weaver has declared a state of emergency in mid-December, calling on the Genesee County Board of Commissioners to conduct a Special Meeting before the end of December to tackle the water crisis, according to local reports.

Water samples from Flint, on the left, and Detroit. Credit Steve Carmody / Michigan Radio

“Flint, a city of about 99,000 people, switched from Detroit’s water system while under state emergency financial management. The Flint River was supposed to be an interim source until the city could join a new system getting water from Lake Huron that is scheduled to be completed next year. But residents complained about the taste, smell and appearance of water coming into their homes and businesses from the Flint River,” said a report.

Related Links

• State of Emergency Declared in Flint, Michigan December 15, 2015