President Obama is set to make his first trip to Flint, Michigan, on May 4, where he will talk to families affected by the lead-tainted water, the White House announced Wednesday.
Obama will visit the city to "hear firsthand from Flint residents about the public health crisis, receive an in-person briefing on the federal efforts in place … and deliver remarks to community members," according to the announcement.
Flint's water system became tainted in 2014 when the city removed itself from the Detroit water system and began drawing water from the Flint River to save money. Regulators failed to ensure the water was properly treated and lead from old pipes leached into the water supply.
Federal officials are investigating. Two state officials and a local official have been charged with evidence tampering and other crimes in a Michigan attorney general's investigation.
The White House announced Obama's trip by sharing a letter written to the president in March by 8-year-old Mari Copeny, describing herself as "one of the children … effected [sic] by this water." She said she was planning to travel to Washington, D.C., to attend congressional hearings on Flint and wanted to meet with the president or first lady Michelle Obama.
"My mom said chances are you will be [too] busy with important things but … even just a meeting from you or your wife would really lift people’s spirits," wrote Copeny, who's known as "Little Miss Flint."
Obama didn't meet with Mari in Washington, but he responded to her in a letter dated April 25.
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"You’re right that presidents are often busy, but the truth is, in America, there is no more important title than citizen," he wrote. "And I’m so proud of you for using your voice to speak out on behalf of the children of Flint."
He added: "That’s why I want you to be the first to know that I’m coming to Flint. I want to make sure people like you and your family are receiving the help you need and deserve."
Obama's visit was announced as senators reached a bipartisan agreement on new federal aid for Flint. The package would authorize $100 million in grants and loans to replace lead-contaminated pipes in Flint and other cities, as well as $70 million in credit subsidies for loans to improve water infrastructure across the country. The deal also includes money for bolster lead-prevention programs nationwide.
The agreement is virtually identical to a one crafted earlier this year, but derailed by opposition from Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, who said the state didn't need to federal aid.
