“Today, Attorney General Dana Nessel and I announce a $600 million agreement to settle the civil lawsuits brought against the state of Michigan by Flint residents after their water supply was switched to the Flint River in April of 2014.’
That’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer announcing the Flint water crisis settlement. Thousands of people have sued the state for its role in the crisis, which began in 2014 when Flint switched its water source from the city of Detroit to the Flint River to save money. State officials advised the city not to use corrosion controls. Lead from pipes contaminated the water.
“What happened in Flint should never have happened,” Whitmer continued. “Financial compensation with a settlement is just one of many ways we can and will continue to show our support for the city of Flint and its families.”
She adds the state’s ongoing support for Flint includes coordinating lead service line replacement with the city, $120 million in the budget to clean up water, and millions in the budget for Flint to provide nutrition programs, child healthcare services, early childhood programs, lead prevention and abatement, school aid, and services to seniors.
