The head of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)has resigned over the drinking water crisis in Flint.
Governor Rick Snyder has also now apologized to the community of Flint for his administration’s involvement in the situation. “I want the Flint community to know how very sorry I am that this has happened,” said Snyder in a statement on Tuesday. “And I want all Michigan citizens to know that we will learn from this experience, because Flint is not the only city that has an aging infrastructure. I know many Flint citizens are angry and want more than an apology. That’s why I’m taking the actions today to ensure a culture of openness and trust.”
MDEQ Director Dan Wyant will step down immediately. The resignation comes after Snyder received initial findings from the task force he appointed to investigate the situation. A number of reports have pointed to mistakes the department made that resulted in elevated lead levels in the city’s water.
The governor says he plans to make additional personnel changes in the department – although he hasn’t announced what those will be. And he says he’ll meet with Flint Mayor Karen Weaver to discuss further actions the state could take to help the city.
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— Jake Neher is the State Capitol Reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org
