Flint Receives $77.7 Million in Federal Funding on 5th Anniversary of Water Crisis

Flint just received $77.7 million in federal funding as the city marks the five-year anniversary of the water crisis that completely devastated it.

Flint’s Department of Public Works says the grant is part of the $100 million promised by the federal government years ago. In 2014, the city switched its water supply to cut costs causing lead to erode water pipes and seep into the drinking water. The change caused a massive public health crisis in a primary Black city, where 41% of the residents are considered to be living in poverty.

Public outrage over water quality was ignored until 2015, when a doctor reported extremely high levels of lead in children in the area.

“I don’t care how strong you are. Seeing your children poisoned, it will break you sooner or later,” a Flint resident stated.

According to the World Health Organization, high lead levels can cause neurological damage.

The Flint water crisis in considered one of the worst man-made environmental disasters in United States history. State officials say the $77.7 million is to help ensure the water remains compliant with the law and public health standards. Other grants and loans also went to the city East Lansing and Monroe County.

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