Whitmer Signs Flint Water Crisis Settlement Legislation

FLINT, MI — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed Flint Water Crisis legislation that could clear the way for over $600 million to be distributed to Flint residents included in a settlement reached in August.

Whitmer signed Senate Bills 1251 and 1252, creating the Flint Settlement Trust Fund within the Michigan Department of Treasury, and amending the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to address the funding of the $641.2 million settlement in the civil Flint Water cases.

“What happened in Flint should never have happened,” Whitmer said in a statement. “From my first month in office, Attorney General Nessel and I made it clear to our teams that even though we inherited this situation, it was our responsibility to achieve the best possible settlement for the children and families of Flint. While this settlement will never be enough to compensate for what happened, it is a major step toward helping the people of Flint heal. I want to thank Senators Ananich and Stamas for sponsoring these bipartisan bills. This is another example of both parties working together to protect the people of our state.”

Related: $600M Preliminary Settlement Reached In Flint Water Lawsuits

Flint switched its water source from the city of Detroit to the Flint River to save money in 2014, while under control of a state-appointed emergency manager, the Associated Press reported. State environmental regulators advised Flint not to apply corrosion controls to the water, which was contaminated by lead from aging pipes.

Residents quickly began complaining that the water was discolored and had a bad taste and smell. They blamed it for rashes, hair loss and other health concerns, but local and state officials insisted it was safe, the Associated Press reported.

Researchers with Virginia Tech University reported in summer 2015 that samples of Flint water had abnormally high lead levels. Shortly afterward, a group of doctors announced that local children had high levels of lead in their blood and urged Flint to stop using water from the river.

Then- Gov. Rick Snyder eventually acknowledged the problem, accepted the resignation of his environmental chief and pledged to aid the city, which resumed using Detroit water.

Researchers said in late 2016 that lead was no longer detectable in many homes. But residents used bottled water for drinking and household needs for over a year, and trust issues remain between the residents and the water provided to them.

A preliminary agreement in civil lawsuits related to the water crisis was reached in August, with the majority of the money going to settle claims filed on behalf of children affected during the crisis.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said at the time that the settlement was agreed to following more than 18 months of negotiations.

The Michigan House has approved the bills signed Wednesday earlier this month.

Read More: Michigan Finalizes Flint Water Crisis Settlement Plan

"I echo the sentiments of many that no amount of money will heal the wounds inflicted on this community," Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. "The residents of the City of Flint deserve justice and they deserve a resolution to these lawsuits. As a strong man of faith, I would ask that we continue to pray for the City of Flint and those who have been negatively impacted."

Information and reporting from The Associated Press contributed to this report.