FLINT, MI — A federal grant that paid the salaries of workers who distribute bottled water in Flint has expired but the state is continuing to pay that bill — at least for now.
Michigan Talent Investment Agency Director Wanda Stokes said the 2016 federal Department of Labor Grant that covered the salaries of workers distributing filters and water in Flint ended March 31, but the services have not been discontinued.
"Notwithstanding this federal grant timeline, the state has also made a commitment to this program that includes providing funding to meet our obligations to the settlement agreement and to Flint," Stokes said in an email to MLive-The Flint Journal.
"We are glad the water quality in Flint is improving," Weaver said in a statement issued by the city.
"However, residents have made it clear that they are still concerned about the health and well-being of our community, should bottled water and filters stop being provided."
State officials have said they are currently reviewing water quality data, including testing completed last month in Flint Community Schools’ buildings, before making a decision on future water purchases for the city.
Although no timeline has been set, the decision could happen at any time, and state officials have consistently touted improved water quality, including lower lead levels, in Flint for several months.
Mayor Karen Weaver has said the state should continue to supply bottled water to Flint until all lead and galvanized service lines in the city have been replaced — something that could take up to two more years.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has warned that so much underground construction could cause particle lead to break free from water transmission pipes and enter the water system.
Four primary water distribution pods have remained open since that time as well as smaller water pickup stations, which are located at several churches in the city.