Mayor Weaver Says She’s Happy with Settlement Agreement

Flint, MI – Mayor Karen Weaver issued the following statement today after U.S. District Court Judge Lawson approved a settlement agreement to bring an end to the Concerned Pastors v. Khouri (and others) litigation:

“I am happy. This agreement is good for the people of Flint. We as city officials want what’s right for the citizens and the City of Flint as we work to recover from the man-made water disaster, and this settlement is another step in the right direction. While we are very appreciative of the funds appropriated by Congress we knew it still wasn’t enough to replace all of the lead-tainted service lines in Flint, a process that is already underway through my FAST Start program. This agreement assures us that the city will receive the additional funds needed, over and above the $100 million from the federal government, to get the job done.

The settlement also identifies several health services and programs that will continue being provided to Flint residents such as, expanded Medicaid services for pregnant women and children under 21 through March 2021. It also calls for tap water in Flint to be monitored by an “independent monitor” who will collect samples in compliance with the lead and copper rule for the next three years, which will be paid for by the state.

The agreement lays out the conditions for the continued operation of the Point of Distribution sites and the Community Outreach Resident Education (CORE) program. As the pipe replacement effort continues with a plan to replace an estimated 18,000 pipes by the end of 2019, Flint residents must have water filters that are properly installed and maintained and this is the key objective of the CORE workers.

By being included in this settlement, these terms of agreement are now enforceable by court order and that is a good thing. We will continue to work with all concerned parties to move the City of Flint forward and protect the health and safety of the citizens of Flint.”