LANSING — On Tuesday, the state permanently shut down its Community Water Resource Sites in Flint where residents received free bottled water from the state. Today, Genesee County state Reps. Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint) and Phil Phelps (D-Flushing) sent a letter to Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette urging him to take immediate legal action, utilizing every available remedy, against Gov. Rick Snyder, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and any and all other parties necessary to ensure the continued operation of these essential water points of distribution for the people of Flint.
In addition to sending the letter, Rep. Neeley issued the following statement:
“This move by Governor Snyder further proves that he does not have the best interests of Flint residents at heart. That is why we are calling on the attorney general to intercede on behalf of the people of Flint, as I did in 2015 when I requested an investigation into criminal wrongdoings, to bring litigation against this administration and mandate that this critical water delivery be restored. While pipe replacement moves forward, the crisis in confidence still remains. The water distribution from the state was a vital resource for the community, especially for residents who are homebound. We hope the attorney general will do right by the people of Flint and take legal action against the state for this irresponsible and heartless move.”
Rep. Phelps added:
“This is not the first time the Snyder administration has turned its back on the people of Flint, and they cannot be blamed for distrusting what their government tells them about the water coming out of their taps. Every Michigander deserves access to clean, safe water. That is why these water distribution sites were so critical for ensuring the city not only had access to this necessary resource but could have the peace of mind knowing that they finally had clean water. The attorney general is charged with protecting and serving the people of this state. It is time for Attorney General Schuette to make up for his prior failures in Flint and move to protect Flint residents and ensure these sites are reopened as soon as possible.”
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