FEMA rejects funding request for Flint households

FILE - This Jan. 21, 2016 file photo shows the Flint River near downtown Flint, Mich. City leaders are floating a shockingly high price to replace the city's water infrastructure damaged after the states disastrous decision in 2014 to use the... (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder says the Obama administration has denied a request for money to help Flint households with the crisis caused by lead-tainted drinking water.

Snyder said in a release Wednesday the Federal Emergency Management Agency rejected his request for funding through emergency protective measures and Individuals and Households programs. They would have covered costs of food, water and other needs, as well as help repair water systems.

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FEMA earlier approved an emergency declaration to bring up to $5 million in direct funding to Flint. Federal officials denied declaring a disaster, which could have brought millions more.

A disaster declaration is mainly for natural disasters. Snyder appealed and sought funding through other programs.

Snyder says he's disappointed by the denial.

Federal officials have approved and denied other Flint-related requests.

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