In Genesee County, local officials are disputing the time table for when Flint water settlement funds will be distributed.
Starting in 2014, tens of thousands of people living and working in Flint were exposed to lead and other contaminants in their drinking water. The exposure began after the ill-fated decision to change the source of the city’s tap water.
A more than $600 million pool was created by the state of Michigan, the city of Flint and several local businesses to settle lawsuits tied to the Flint water crisis.
More than 25,000 people have qualified for a share of the settlement.
Most of the settlement is reserved for those who were children during the Flint Water crisis, who would have been among who’s health would have been most affected.
Mid-day Friday, Genesee County Board of Commissioners chairman Delrico Loyd announced the funds are scheduled to be released in November.
“While this development represents a step forward, we must remain deeply mindful that no amount of financial restitution can undo the irreversible harm done to our people,” said Loyd.
But later in the day, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley described Lloyd’s announcement as “less than accurate.”
Neeley pointed out neither Special Master Deborah Greenspan nor the U.S. District Court overseeing the settlement process has provided any definitive release date for settlement payments to residents.
“Releasing speculative information only adds to residents’ pain and frustration,” said Neeley, “The people of Flint have already endured enough. They deserve honesty, transparency, and leadership rooted in facts — not politics.”
The Special Master has been providing updates on the settlement web page as well as court filings.
Earlier this year, Greenspan indicated that payouts would be coming this fall, but did not provide specific dates. The claims process has been complicated as appeals have lasted longer than expected.
