On Tuesday, Governor Rick Snyder requested support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate an interagency recovery plan with other federal agencies to provide resources to Flint.  This request will help identify federal programs, authorities and/or technical expertise that could be utilized for the response to the water crisis in Flint.  The Governor went a step further and on Friday requested that President Barack Obama declare both an emergency and an expedited major disaster for Genesee County.  He also requested supplementary federal aid in the form of individual and public assistance, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and businesses recover.  Governor Snyder’s request will be reviewed by FEMA, who will then make a recommendation to the President.  However, the ultimate decision rests with President Obama.  Congressman Dan Kildee (D-Flint), whose district includes the affected area, is echoing the request and is urging federal assistance for Genesee County.

In terms of additional state assistance, Governor Snyder issued an executive order activating the Michigan Army National Guard to provide assistance with the distribution of supplies at the five water resource sites in Flint.  Support by the Guard will enable American Red Cross volunteers, who previously were manning the water resource sites, to join the door to door efforts of distributing bottled water, water filters, replacement cartridges, and testing kits.  Guard members began arriving in Flint on Wednesday.  This is only the second time that Governor Snyder has activated the Guard.  The Governor will most likely request supplemental funding from the legislature to cover the expense of activating the Guard.  To read the Executive Order, please click here.

For more information on the ongoing situation in Flint, please visit www.michigan.gov/FlintWater.

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