Lead pipe replacement begins in Flint

FLINT, Mich. (WJBK) - Flint Mayor Karen Weaver's Fast Start initiative is underway.

Workers are beginning the long and expensive process of replacing thousands of old, lead pipes.

The Fast Start program to replace all the water pipes in Flint will help residents like Barry Richardson and his family.

"Not only me, but my pregnant fiancé and my daughter," he said. "Fresh clean water finally. That way we don't have to worry about the lead poisoning."

Of course the goal is to get the lead out of Flint, but Weaver says it can't stop there.

"We need to be focused on a complete renewal of Flint's water system because we owe our people something," she said.

Weaver said the immense project will need more funding.

"One of the things we have to make sure we do is continue to call on the legislature to quickly approve the $25 million for the first phase of this $55 million Fast Start program," she said. "We also need Congress to pass a bipartisan plan lead by our U.S. senators (Debbie) Stabenow and (Gary) Peters of Michigan for the $220 million in clean water and health funding."

Weaver says she is also urging the Michigan legislature to approve $195 million in funding for additional service to support the residents of Flint.