Michigan Governor Seeks Obama’s Help in Water Crisis

Michigan’s Governor is asking President Obama to issue an Emergency and Major Disaster Declaration in response to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. 

Governor Rick Snyder made the request Thursday. 

He said the declarations would help residents of Genesee County. 

State and county officials have already declared a state of emergency themselves. 

Synder has also requested assistance from FEMA.   

He would like their help coordinating an inter-agency recovery plan to provide resources to the city.  

FEMA says it received Michigan’s request for a disaster declaration in Flint. 

The agency says it will send a recommendation to President Barack Obama as expeditiously as possible. 

Flint’s tap water became contaminated with too much lead after the city switched its water supply in 2014 while a new pipeline was under construction.  

The National Guard has been called in to help distribute bottled water, filters and other supplies to residents.