Michigan governor calls for funding to improve Flint drinking water

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder announced Thursday that he is requesting the state legislature to contribute $6 million (USD) to the reconnection of Flint with the Great Lakes Water Authority until the Karegnondi Water Authority (KWA) pipeline is completed, with Flint and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation providing the remaining $6 million.

“All Flint residents need clean, safe drinking water,” Snyder said. “The technical experts helping the city on its water advisory all agree this move back to the Great Lakes Water Authority provides the best public health protection for children and families. This effort today is the result of people coming together to solve a problem.”

Providing protection from the effects of runoff issues and already established corrosion control methods, reconnection to Detroit’s water system will benefit Flint’s public health, but it will not completely resolve drinking water issues, which are caused in some instances by aging infrastructure and home pipes and plumbing.

"Reconnecting to Detroit is the fastest way to deliver clean, safe water to Flint and stabilize the infrastructure system,” Flint Mayor Dayne Walling said. “I appreciate the state, the Mott Foundation, Detroit and the county's participation in a solution for Flint's water problems. The health and safety of Flint's families, children and seniors is my top priority, and reconnecting to Detroit is a major step that the city could not take alone given budget constraints."