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Snyder, Other Firms Named In NAACP Lawsuit Over Flint's Poisoned Water

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The NAACP is suing the state of Michigan over Flint's lead-tainted water crisis.

The Baltimore-based civil rights organization says Wednesday that the suit seeks property damages, pain and suffering damages, emotional distress damages and medical monitoring for Flint residents and businesses.

It names Gov. Rick Snyder and other officials, along with two firms hired to evaluate water quality.

The NAACP is seeking class-action status in what is just the latest civil suit to be filed over the crisis.

In October, a public health emergency was declared in cash-strapped Flint after tests showed the Michigan city's water supply is causing elevated levels of lead in children and following months of complaints about the smell and taste.

Gov. Rick Snyder this week questioned the switch to the Flint River from the Detroit water system in 2014, a decision that was made as a cost-saving move while a new regional pipeline is built to Lake Huron.

Flint was under state management when it switched from Detroit's water system in 2014 to the Flint River to save money. The river water was not treated with anti-corrosive chemicals, causing lead to leach from old water lines.

A Snyder spokeswoman says the governor's office does not comment on ongoing litigation.
TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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