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Governor Rick Snyder plans to appeal the Obama administration’s denial of a major disaster declaration in the city of Flint.
Snyder had requested $96 million for bottled water, water filters and replacing the city’s old pipes. But the request was denied with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) citing the requirement that a disaster declaration can only be made for natural events like fire, flood or explosions.
However, the president has declared a federal emergency in Flint, which opens the door to $5 million in federal help.
The Snyder administration says it’s now reviewing the process to appeal the disaster declaration denial.
Flint has been combating high lead levels in its drinking water stemming from when the city switched its water source to the Flint river.
Last week, the governor activated the National Guard to help distribute bottled water and water filters in the city.
