President Obama called the water crisis in Flint, Mich., “inexcusable” on Thursday, but said federal help for the beleaguered city is on the way.
It’s an “inexcusable situation with respect to the drinking water there,” Obama told the nation’s mayors, who are assembled in Washington for their annual conference, during a meeting with them at the White House Thursday evening.
Obama said his administration secured additional funding for cities to undertake “water infrastructure” projects in the spending agreement Congress passed last month. That money, which includes $80 million for Michigan, will be available by the end of next week, he said.
“Our children should not have to be worried about the water they are drinking in American cities,” Obama said to applause. “That is not something we can accept.”
Obama praised mayors for their traditional bipartisan nature and desire to get things done, regardless of party affiliation.
“Frankly, if you’re a mayor, nobody cares what your party is,” Obama said. “They care what you’re getting done.”
Obama said the country’s mayors have succeeded at making progress, even when partisan fighting slows the federal government.
“Thanks to all of you, America has made extraordinary progress over the past seven years.
“Mayors can’t wait for Congress; mayors can’t get stuck in partisan gridlock,” Obama said. “You don’t have time for a lot of bluster and — baloney. Your constituents expect results.”
