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State emergency center assessing damage in Flint's water crisis

Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Radio

State emergency center officials say they are working to better understand what has been done and what needs to be done in Flint.  

The governor declared Flint’s lead tainted drinking water a ‘state of emergency’ this week. The city had switched from Detroit water to water from the Flint River in April 2014 to save money, and did not reverse its decision until October.

State officials opened the Emergency Operations Center in Lansing to reporters on Thursday.

Michigan State Police Capt. Chris Kelenske is the director of the state Emergency Operations Center.  

“Damage assessments at the local level are on going right now (in Flint),” says Kelenske, “But we still need some more information before we determine if….a federal request will be made.”

A federal disaster declaration could funnel millions of dollars to Flint. 

In the meantime, Kelenske says an effort will be made to provide every household in Flint with a water filter.

Filters can remove nearly all the lead from water when properly used.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting.