The Latest: State: 11M litres of water distributed in Flint

By The Associated Press

FLINT, Mich. – The Latest on the lead-tainted water crisis in Flint, Michigan: (all times local):

8 p.m.

Authorities say roughly 11 million litres of state-purchased water have been distributed to Flint residents since an emergency was declared in January over the city’s lead-tainted drinking water.

Michigan State Police Capt. Chris Kelenske told the Michigan Civil Service Commission on Thursday that’s equivalent to about 927,000 cases of bottled water. He adds the state has co-ordinated the distribution of 116,000 filters and 47,000 water-testing kits.

He also says that officials have visited all homes of active water customers.

Kelenske testified during the commission’s first public hearing into possible discrimination during the switch to the Flint River for drinking water and the subsequent lead contamination.

Dozens of Flint residents attended the hearing, and about 30 shared their concerns with commissioners.

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4:30 p.m.

Dozens of Flint residents have spoken at the first public hearing into possible discrimination during the switch to the Flint River for drinking water and the subsequent lead contamination.

Elaine Connor, who tested positive for lead, told the Michigan Civil Rights Commission people have to think about every movement they make. Others talked about their anger, fear and distrust.

Flint is under a state of emergency after lead from old pipes leached into the water supply because of improper treatment. Some residents in the largely minority city say the contamination wouldn’t have occurred in a wealthy, predominantly white city.

The commission, which investigates civil rights complaints, decided in January to hold hearings. Co-chair Arthur Horwitz said the board has come to the “inescapable conclusion that this is a case of environmental injustice.”

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3 p.m.

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission is holding its first public hearing into whether Flint residents faced discrimination or racial bias during the switch to the Flint River for drinking water and the subsequent lead contamination.

Residents have begun to testify at Thursday’s hearing. Representatives from state agencies also have been invited.

Flint is under a state of emergency after lead from old pipes leached into the water supply because of improper treatment. Some residents in the largely minority city say the contamination wouldn’t have occurred in a wealthy, predominantly white city.

The commission, which investigates civil rights complaints, decided in January to hold hearings. If it finds violations it can order the violator to stop and take corrective action. That order can be appealed to circuit court.

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10:45 a.m.

A Senate committee has approved a bipartisan deal to offer federal aid to Flint, Michigan, where lead-contaminated pipes have resulted in a public health emergency.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved a $220 million aid package as part of a broader bill that authorizes water-related projects across the country for flood control, harbour deepening and other purposes.

The bill was approved 19-1 on Thursday. It could come up for a Senate vote in May.

The measure would authorize $100 million in grants and loans to replace lead-contaminated pipes in Flint and other cities with lead emergencies — and $70 million toward loans to improve U.S. water systems

It also includes $50 million to bolster lead-prevention programs and improve children’s health nationwide.

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2 a.m.

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission plans its first public hearing into whether Flint residents faced discrimination during the switch to the Flint River for drinking water and subsequent lead contamination.

The hearing Thursday at Flint’s Riverfront Banquet Center will include opening remarks from commission co-chairs and a comment period with preference given to city residents. Representatives from state agencies have been invited to appear, and residents will be able to respond to officials’ testimony.

Before it ends, commissioners plan to discuss testimony and the potential roles of racism, environmental justice and other discrimination in the crisis.

The commission decided in January to hold hearings to examine allegations of discrimination. Flint is under a state of emergency after lead from old pipes leached into the water supply because of improper treatment.

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