7 years after Flint water crisis started, pipe replacement nears end but other issues drag on
Today 6:33 AM
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FLINT, MI Seven years after the city’s water source was switched, triggering the Flint water crisis, the fallout continues to cast its pall.
While the city expects to close out three major water infrastructure projects related to the water crisis, including the final phase of a pipe replacement program, this year, other reminders of the man-made emergency linger with no clear end in sight.
Although a partial settlement of civil lawsuits filed on behalf of Flint residents could be approved later this year, the cases are continuing against defendants that have so far refused to settle their cases, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Part of the $641 million Flint water crisis settlement might be in jeopardy.
McLaren Flint Hospital agreed to contribute $20 million to the settlement. The rest of the money is coming from the state of Michigan, the city of Flint and Rowe Professional Services.
The hospital faces lawsuits tied to deadly Legionnaires Disease cases after the city of Flint’s drinking water was switched. At least a dozen people died and scores more fell ill with the pneumonia-like illness. Roughly half the cases had links to the McLaren hospital.
Under the master settlement, payouts in the Legionnaires claims could range from between $300,000 to $1.5 million.
Flint water service line manager gets contract extension, says work could be complete by early summer
Updated 10:00 AM;
Today 10:00 AM
Crews dig up and replace lead service lines April 18 on the 2300 block of Calumet Street on FlintÕs east side. Mayor Karen Weaver said Friday that she is Òputting a pauseÓ on the use of hydro-excavation to identify lead pipes, claiming it is unreliable. (Jake May | MLive.com)Jake May
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FLINT, MI The company that manages Flint’s program for replacing lead and galvanized water service lines is back on the job and predicting the effort that started five years ago could be completed by early summer.
Biden points to Flint water crisis to show need for infrastructure plan
Updated 11:46 AM;
Today 11:46 AM
President Joe Biden speaks during an event on the American Jobs Plan in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus, Wednesday, April 7, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)AP
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FLINT, MI President Joe Biden is pointing to the Flint water crisis as evidence of the nation’s deteriorating infrastructure as he pitches his $2.3-trillion American Jobs Plan.
Speaking in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, April 7, Biden said his massive, “once in a generation investment in America” would put plumbers and pipefitters to work replacing thousands of miles of dangerous lead water pipes.
Credit steve carmody / Michigan Radio
It’s been more than a week since the registration period for the Flint water settlement closed, but it remains unclear exactly how many people signed up.
People affected by the Flint water crisis had until March 29th to register for the $641 million settlement involving the state of Michigan, the city of Flint, McLaren Flint Hospital and Rowe Professional Services.
Tens of thousands of registrations poured in by the deadline. One attorney estimates about 50,000 people signed on. But forms post-marked by the deadline are still arriving at the office processing the claims.
There’s also another issue.