Governor Agrees to begin transition of power to Mayor Weaver

January 7, 2016 –Lansing, MI  Mayor Karen Weaver and her team sat down with Governor Rick Snyder and other state officials this morning for a private meeting in Lansing. The meeting took place just days after the Governor declared a State of Emergency for Genesee County, a move Weaver requested when she declared a State of Emergency for the City of Flint last month in response to the man-made disaster caused by switching to the Flint River as a water source in 2014.

Today, both the Mayor and the Governor stated the meeting was very productive. They addressed the media together when it was over. “This is about solving problems, improving the water situation in Flint,” Governor Snyder said.

The Governor went on to apologize for the situation. He said, “This is a comprehensive approach and we are taking this very seriously.”

Mayor Weaver and the Governor agreed to establish an interagency committee. It will include members appointed by both the Mayor and Governor. The committee will troubleshoot problems as officials look at what has to be done to resolve the water situation. They will also help coordinate resources, personnel and long-term followups with residents exposed to lead.

The Mayor says cooperation from the community is also needed. Flint residents need to get water test kits. Their water has to be tested in order for all affected areas to be identified so the amount of funding needed to address the problem can be determined.

Governor Snyder and Mayor Weaver also decided in the meeting that the Governor would begin the process of transitioning power back to the Mayor per the Flint City Charter. “It’s a great day for the citizens of Flint” said Mayor Weaver. “We are moving forward and working together.”