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Paying the high cost of investigating the Flint Water Crisis

Posted at 6:51 PM, Jul 11, 2016
and last updated 2021-01-14 15:59:25-05

Its a high profile investigation into the failures behind flint's water crisis, the attorney general's investigative team is working to find the truth - but that comes with a hefty price.

Millions of dollars are needed to continue the investigation into the Flint Water Crisis, and are still yet to be approved.

State Representative Sheldon Neeley is on front lines of the Flint water crisis.

Back when children first started showing signs of exposure to harmful lead in water and we learned of deaths from Legionaries’ disease Neeley was the first lawmaker to demand answers.

But finding the truth about an unprecedented man made crisis hasn't been easy.

The state attorney general has had to assemble an outside team of investigators and attorneys in order to prevent any potential conflicts of interest.

Already some findings have led to 3 public officials being criminally charged and also left those working the case fighting back tears.

Since the investigation picked up steam roughly 4 months ago we've seen the faces of those who allegedly betrayed the people and failed to prevent the water crisis. Civil lawsuits have also been filed.

The A.G. has strongly implied more charges are coming soon.

However, he cost of the investigation now requires additional funding beyond the initial $1.5 million dollars. Neeley says the additional $3.4 million will be worth it - as long as justice prevails.

"I hope that the investigation will rise to a level to really get the individuals, that were very much culpable in not stopping this tragic event," says Neeley. "Right now, families are still suffering. Even into the second extension of the emergency people are still drinking bottles water, bathing with bottled water."

So far, some members of a state board overseeing finance have shown support for a total of $4.9 million in spending over 2 years.

Rep. Neeley says he's eager for all of us to learn who exactly broke the law and failed to uphold an oath to the people.

While it comes with a multi-million dollar price tag, there's also a payoff that can't be measured.

"This would make sure that this would never happen in another city like Flint, or anywhere in Michigan or great country," says Neeley.

A final vote on the funding is expected to take place this week. 7 Action News will bring you that news as it breaks on air and online.