WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The measure authorizes vital water projects across the country to restore watersheds, improve waterways and flood control, and improve drinking water infrastructure, Friday’s statement explained.
"The law also authorizes $170 million for communities facing drinking water emergencies, including funding for Flint, Michigan, to recover from the lead contamination in its drinking water system," Obama said in the statement. "That help for Flint is a priority of this Administration."
Lead began leaching into the Flint water supply in 2014 after officials switched the city’s water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River.
As a result, blood tests revealed that thousands of children had elevated levels of the toxic metal. Lead in children has been linked to permanent learning disabilities and behavioral problems.
