FLINT, MI — The lawsuit that Flint officials are threatening against the state of Michigan involves more than just no-cost bottled water, Mayor Karen Weaver has told MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Show.
Appearing on the program Wednesday, April 18, Weaver said the city has suffered damages because of actions by the state that are related to the water crisis, including lost population, a damaged reputation and lower property values.
"We need fixtures in the home.
We need in-home plumbing.
Weaver threatened to sue the state on Monday, April 16, after meeting with Gov.
Rick Snyder in Lansing to discuss issues including the state having ended free bottled water for distribution in the city this month.
The mayor has said bottled water isn’t the city’s only grievance with the state, but she provided more detail about some of the potential causes of action during her appearance on the Maddow show.
Weaver had filed a notice of intent to sue the state in a March 24, 2016, filing with the Michigan Court of Claims, which has jurisdiction over lawsuits against the state and its agencies.
In that initial filing, the state, the DEQ, and four DEQ employees were named as potential defendants.
Four current and former DEQ employees currently face charges of criminal wrongdoing as well for their roles in the city’s water crisis.