FLINT, MI -- President Barack Obama has denied Gov. Rick Snyder's appeal for a federal disaster declaration to aid in Flint's water crisis.
A letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) states the call for a federal disaster declaration was called "not appropriate for this event."
The Republican governor has another plan to try and aid Flint residents, according to a news release from Snyder's office.
Snyder plans to request that Obama reconsider awarding funds under two programs allowed under the emergency declaration -- The Individuals and Households Program, which provides housing assistance and replacement of personal property. He will also ask for money and emergency protective measures, according to the release.
"I want to continue working to obtain additional federal resources for the people of Flint," Snyder said in a statement. "These programs could help immensely as we work together on continued solutions to problems created by a failure of government at the state, local and federal levels. Just as our state Legislature is working to quickly approve funding for increased clean water resources and improved public health care in flint, we are hoping for continued support from the federal government and Michigan's Congressional delegation."
Snyder submitted the appeal Wednesday, Jan. 20, claiming the severity of the disaster warrants additional support from the federal government.
"The situation in Flint is a disaster and in need of a federal declaration," Snyder said in a statement announcing the appeal. "This situation poses an imminent and long-term threat to the people of Flint. We appreciate the support of the White House through the earlier emergency declaration. But additional federal resources are needed for the work that must be done."
Obama signed an emergency declaration Jan. 16 ordering federal assistance after some of the city's youngest residents were diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels following the switch to the Flint River as the city's drinking water source.
However, he declined to make a major disaster declaration, claiming the situation "does not meet the legal definition of a 'major disaster.'"
Flint changed its water source from Lake Huron water purchased from the Detroit water system to the Flint River in April 2014, a decision made while the city was being run by a state-appointed emergency manager.
State regulators never required that the river water be treated to make it less corrosive, causing lead from plumbing and pipes to leach into the water supply.
Even though the city reconnected to the Detroit water system in October, local officials have advised Flint resident not to drink city water unless they are using a lead-clearing filter.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday that Dr. Nicole Lurie would be heading the federal government's response to the Flint water crisis, which includes resources and support from multiple federal agencies.
Snyder unveiled a $28 million plan Tuesday night during his State of the State address to combat the city's water crisis. The plan allocates state funding to six departments and would enable the state to increase National Guard efforts, increase nurses in schools and replace fixtures in some public places.
Amanda Emery is a police reporter for MLive-Flint Journal. Contact her at aemery@mlive.com or 810-285-0792. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.