Congressman Dan Kildee is reportedly asking the U.S. Environment Protection Agency to forgive Flint’s $21-million in past loans. The money was borrowed for drinking water improvements. If approved the money could be freed up to replace aging water pipes that left a portion of residents with elevated lead levels. Officials say water from the caustic Flint River triggered lead to seep from pipes into the city’s water supply between April 2014 and October of this year. Kildee says in addition to upgrading the water pipes, some of the repurposed money could go toward lowering water rates for residents. One representative from the EPA says Kildee’s proposal is being considered.
