GENESEE COUNTY, MI - The state of Michigan is offering up to $100,000 in grant money to local governments affected by the water crisis in Flint.
Gov. Rick Snyder announced the opening of the state Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund to offer assistance to the city of Flint, Genesee County, and other communities impacted by the water situation.
"While this emergency is still ongoing, both the city of Flint and Genesee County have bills to pay now," said Snyder in a statement. "Money from this fund will help cover some of the costs they incurred while responding to the emergency."
The grant program will be administered by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.
State statute allows for the governor under extraordinary circumstances to authorize reimbursement from the fund to offer assistance when federal emergency reimbursement is not made available.
Money received by communities may be used toward costs associated with the response to a disaster or emergency, covering overtime for public employees, contracts, shelter supplies, gasoline and repair of public buildings and roads.
Snyder said he would continue to explore options to provide financial assistance to local government partners.