Governor Snyder plans to appeal the Obama administration’s denial of a major disaster declaration in the city of Flint. Snyder had requested $96 million for bottled water, water filters and replacing the city’s old pipes. But the request was denied with the Federal Emergency Management Agency citing the requirement that a disaster declaration can only be made for natural events like fire, flood or explosions. However, the president has declared a federal emergency in Flint, which opens the door to $5 million in federal help. The Snyder administration says it’s now reviewing the process to appeal the disaster declaration denial. Flint has been combating high lead levels in its drinking water stemming from when the city switched its water source to the Flint river. Last week, the governor activated the National Guard to help distribute bottled water and water filters in the city. Another well-known name is adding his voice to those calling for more action in the Flint water crisis. The Reverend Jessie Jackson is calling the city of Flint a crime scene and says the people of Flint have been betrayed. The civil rights activist spoke at the Heavenly Host Church of the Harvest in Flint ON Sunday, a day after the president declared a federal emergency in the city. Jackson’s visit also came a day after filmmaker Michael Moore spoke in front of Flint city hall saying a racial and poverty crisis is what created the water crisis. Moore has also called for Governor Rick Snyder to resign. Meanwhile, another celebrity who on Twitter called for Snyder to be jailed, Cher has announced she’s donating over 180,000 bottles of water to the city.
