LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder is asking the Legislature to approve $30 million in funds that would go to Flint to reimburse residents for the money they’ve spent on water that was improperly treated and in some cases has tested astronomically high for lead.
The state would give the city of Flint the funds and residents would then ask for reimbursements by providing proof of what they have paid.
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Snyder will brief city officials and pastors about the proposal Wednesday and outline it to lawmakers next week in his annual budget proposal, according to a statement the governor's office provided to The Associated Press.
The aid would cover the portion of residential customers' utility bills for water that has been or will be used for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing hands. Customers would still be responsible for paying for water used to flush toilets, water lawns, wash clothes and other purposes.
“Flint residents will not have to pay for water they cannot drink," Snyder said.
The reimbursements will cover bills from April of 2014 to the present date.
Lawmakers will have to approve the plan.
The state has already spent $28 million for lead testing, bottled water, an infrastructure study and a host of other programs to help those affected by the tainted water.