Gov. Snyder unveils new plans to fix Flint water

FLINT, Mich. (WJBK) - Governor Rick Snyder was back in Flint Wednesday to roll out new programs to help people cope and recover during the ongoing toxic water crisis in Flint. But these new programs still haven't solved the problem of where the people of Flint can get flowing water that's safe to drink. 

Gov. Snyder announced new programs during a press conference alongside Flint Mayor Karen Weaver. He maintained that state is committed to the city.

"This is the start of a longer term process to make sure we are committed to Flint," Snyder said.

There are many that still question the governor's commitment. However, on Wednesday, a number of programs were announced that will assist residents in Flint, like the residents not paying for water.

"Flint residents should not have to pay for water they did not and are not using," Weaver said.

To make sure they don't pay for what they're not using, the Governor set aside between $3 million and $28 million to assist in lost water collections.

"Why should we pay for something we can't use? We can’t' drink it. People are afraid to bathe in it," Peggy Norton said.

Also announced was the Governor's point person on Detroit, Rich Baird, will coordinate Flint progress. Other initiatives including water testing in restaurants and in Flint's 13 schools will be expanded. 2500 samples of water have already been tested with promising results. Keith Creagh is the Director of Environmental Quality and says the promising results are only the beginning.

"We're not going to guess. We’re going to assure that people in this city get clean drinking water," Creagh said.

But questions persist. Questions like when will residents be guaranteed safe water? Weaver said, pointedly, 'I don't know'.

When that happens, Dierdra Wooton won't be drinking the water again.

"I'm not going to drink the water from the tap, probably not ever," Wooton said.

Residents obviously worried about the long-term effects of lead levels. But part of announcement today, expanded Medicaid services for those under 21 years old.

And the governor is set to ask for more money in the future.

"Again, another stopping point to say more is getting done. We're going to keep doing more and we're going to keep committed to the people in Flint," Snyder said.