FLINT, Mich. — Flint Mayor Sheldon A. Neeley will travel to Washington, D.C., this week for a visit focused on advocating for the City of Flint and its residents and advancing issues important to the city’s continued recovery and future.
Among the mayor’s top priorities during the trip will be a visit to the office of the special master overseeing the Flint Water Crisis settlement. Mayor Neeley will use the meeting to again press for the timely release of settlement payments to Flint residents who have been waiting for compensation for far too long.
“Flint has done what was asked of us, and our residents have waited long enough,” Neeley said. “As a lifelong Flint resident and mayor of this city, I know firsthand the strength, resilience and patience our residents have shown throughout this crisis. We have reached important milestones in our recovery. We have replaced our lead service lines, our water quality continues to meet or exceed state and federal standards, and we have fulfilled the requirements necessary to resolve the Concerned Pastors lawsuit. Now, we need to see that same progress when it comes to getting payments into the hands of Flint residents.”
The mayor said the settlement process represents one of the remaining major hurdles in bringing greater closure to a crisis that has affected Flint families for more than a decade.
“Our residents deserve to receive the compensation that has been promised to them,” Neeley added. “They have demonstrated extraordinary patience and resilience throughout this entire process. I will continue to stand with them, advocate for them and push for this process to move forward.”
During his visit, Neeley will also meet with federal officials and policymakers to advocate for Flint’s interests and discuss continued federal support and investment in the city.
The mayor said maintaining strong relationships with federal partners is essential as Flint continues to build on the progress made over the past several years.
“This trip is about making sure Flint has a voice at the table,” Neeley stated. “We will continue to fight for the resources, investments and support our residents deserve while making sure the progress we have made is recognized.”
