FLINT, MI -- Gov. Rick Snyder is seeking federal funding that could help Flint residents repair faulty pipes and financially support distribution of food, water and other needs in the city.
Snyder's request to President Obama for a major disaster declaration was denied Jan. 16. He was seeking access to money for individual households and financial support for ongoing distribution efforts in the city. Snyder appealed the decision, and the appeal was denied on Jan. 22.
Snyder's office announced Thursday, March 3, that it is now appealing part of the decision. The estimated economic impact of the Flint water crisis is beginning to exceed $140 million, according to Snyder's appeal letter.
"While government and independent experts say the quality of the water is improving, there is a long road ahead for Flint's recovery," Snyder said. "We are continuously working on ways to help the people of Flint recover from this health crisis. Assistance from our federal partners could go a long way in moving Flint forward."
Snyder is appealing the part of the decision that denies Flint assistance from the Category B program, which provides emergency protective measures, and from the Individual Households Program, which allows individuals to apply for funds to replace pipes. The hope is that even without a federal major disaster declaration, Flint can get financial support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Funding from FEMA under the Individuals and Households program would allow homeowners to apply for financial assistance in repairing damage caused by disaster that is not covered by insurance. That includes septic or sewage systems and well or other water systems, according to a news release from Snyder's office.
Federal Category B funding would cover costs to distribute food, water and other essentials and the cost to remove health and safety hazards and would allow activation of state or local emergency operation centers and provide emergency measures to protect from further damage, the release says.
If the appeal is denied again, according to Snyder's deputy press secretary Anna Heaton, it won't change the support Flint is receiving, but it if it is approved, it will add to resources already in place.