U.S. officials extend emergency water assistance for Flint, Michigan

Federal officials have extended an emergency declaration for Flint that has provided supplies of bottled water, filters and test kits to the Michigan city suffering from lead contamination in drinking water, the state governor said on Friday. The emergency declaration, which was first approved in January and provided $5 million in assistance, was originally set to expire in mid-April. But the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in response to a request from state officials, has agreed to continue its assistance until Aug. 14, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, a Republican, said in a statement. "With this federal assistance, much-needed resources will continue to be available to Flint residents while this crisis exists," Snyder said.