I'll take all of the credit for Trump as I can get, but why has it taken this long to fix this issue, by any Administration? I'm sincerely asking - Why has this happened, and has taken so long to correct? Am I missing something? Link: https://www.google.com/amp/amp.dail...flint-100-million-to-fix-broken-water-system/
I can't begin to answer your question. This bill wasn't passed and signed until mid-December 2016. It specifically allows for revolving 100 million dollar federal grants (with 20 million match from the states). But it seems very odd that it took that long to get a bill or that a bill would even really be required to authorize funds for an emergency like Flint. My guess is the election year sorely slowed thingns down.
It's horrific how ignored flint and similar situations have been. Glad they're getting some relief. There a lot of places needing this, as well.
Was it that the City failed these people, the EPA, or both? Was it just an immense screw-up, or did it also involve a coverup?
A mixture of all of it. Government isn't good at up keep on infrastructure, because it's not sexy and doesn't lead to headlines and votes.
The state and epa are both the main culprits. The city was kind of along for the ride. It has been a symphony of "not my fault" by all who... Well... At fault. The state and city should have known not to switch water sources without proper treatment, epa should have blown the whistle at multiple points. They all ignored the public concern and cry for help. It was only when a scientist at Virginia Tech stepped in at public request that the problem was technically confirmed, despite over a year of obviously improper water. There was at least one suicide from someone involved, but he apparently was being ordered to disregard concerns. There are politics that obfuscate this as well, as the debacle began as a strategy to save state money.