Michigan

Flint water crisis proposed solution includes removing and replacing lead water pipes

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — The latest on developments in the lead contamination of Flint’s water (all times local):

11:10 a.m.

Flint Mayor Karen Weaver says officials are working on a plan to remove and replace all lead water pipes as the city seeks solutions to its lead-tainted water crisis.

Weaver said at a news conference on Tuesday that the work is expected to cost $55 million. Households where residents are deemed to be high-risk would be given priority for pipe replacement.

State officials disconnected Flint from Detroit’s water supply in 2014 and began using the Flint River to save money. Regulators failed to ensure the new water was treated properly and lead from pipes leached into the water supply, contributing to a spike in child lead exposure.

Weaver said that Flint is “going to restore safe drinking water one house at a time, one child at a time.”

10 a.m.

General Motors and the United Auto Workers union plan to donate $3 million to support increased health and education services for Flint children who have been exposed to lead.

The United Way of Genesee County announced the five-year commitment Tuesday from the Detroit-based automaker and the union, saying it will address “immediate, ongoing and growing needs of Flint children affected by lead.”

The United Way says it’s outlining a framework that will provide children with at-home care, nutritional assistance and early childhood and supplemental education.

Those involved say the initiative will include support for preschool, nutritional needs, school nursing, before- and after-school programming, increased special education capacity and increased school counselors.

If consumed, lead can cause developmental delays and learning disabilities.

5:50 a.m.

Flint’s city administrator says $30 million to help pay water bills isn’t enough to counteract the effect of the crisis with lead-tainted water on city finances.

Natasha Henderson told city council members Monday the proposal passed last week by the state Senate would only keep Flint’s water fund financially solvent until year’s end. She says that could force water service shutoffs to resume.

The Flint Journal reports Henderson says at least $60 million is needed. Gov. Rick Snyder formally announced the $30 million plan last week.

On Tuesday, Flint Mayor Karen Weaver plans to outline the next steps in her plan to remove lead pipes from the city’s water system.

Separately on Tuesday, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and his office’s investigators plan to offer an update on their investigation.

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