The state of Michigan has announced its willingness to step in and manage property repairs at 1,900 homes in Flint where water pipes have been inspected or replaced, but the grounds are still in disarray. This decision comes after the city of Flint was found in civil contempt for missing deadlines to complete the necessary work, stemming from the water crisis that began in 2014.
Since the water switch in 2014 led to lead contamination in the city's water system, efforts have been made to replace lead or galvanized steel pipes. Out of the 30,000 water lines that were excavated and inspected, approximately 10,000 to 11,000 pipes have been replaced as part of a settlement between Flint and residents.
However, there are still 1,900 homes where property repairs have not been completed, leaving broken driveways, sidewalks, and damaged lawns. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has highlighted the urgency of addressing these outstanding issues.
In response, the state has requested permission from U.S. District Judge David Lawson to intervene and manage the remaining property repairs. The state has committed to overseeing the work carried out by the city's contractors and providing additional funds as needed to complete the project, which is estimated to cost over $4.75 million.
Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley expressed gratitude for the state's assistance, emphasizing the importance of finishing the overdue repairs. The NRDC echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to fulfill the city's commitments and bring closure to the long-standing issue.
The pipe replacement project in Flint, which received nearly $100 million in funding from state and federal sources, has been ongoing since the city returned to a Detroit-area water supplier in 2015. The involvement of the state is seen as a positive step towards resolving the remaining challenges and ensuring the well-being of Flint residents.
