FLINT, Mich. (AP/WXMI) — Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is likely to devote much of his annual State of the State speech tonight to the drinking water emergency in Flint, and sources confirm he plans to request that lawmakers approve millions for continued recovery efforts.
FOX 17 will air the address starting at 7:00pm, immediately following FOX 17 News at 6:00pm.
The state already is providing lead testing, filters and bottled water for the city of 99,000. And some say customers shouldn't have to pay their water bills because the water is contaminated with lead. It's unclear if lawmakers will cover the expense.
Sources in the legislature confirm to FOX 17 political report Josh Sidorowicz that Snyder will ask lawmakers tonight to take action in approving a $28 million financial assistance package for Flint. Monies would go toward recovery efforts including further water testing and testing of residents, both adults and children, for elevated lead levels.
The financial aid would also pay to prevent water shutoffs for customers.
The supplemental funding would be in addition to the $9.3 million lawmakers approved in October to move the city back to Detroit’s water system, provide for DEQ to test drinking water samples, allow the Department of Health and Human Services to purchase and distribute water filters, and fund state plumbing inspections for schools and health facilities.
The governor has already approached the legislative leaders in both chambers about his plans to request the money, a source confirmed.
President Obama is scheduled to be in Detroit on Wednesday. His staff announced Tuesday that Obama will not be visiting Flint.
The governor also is expected to again press lawmakers to address mounting financial problems in Detroit's school district.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
