Michigan Spends More Than $2M So Far On Flint Water Probe

LANSING, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - Records say the Michigan attorney general's office has spent more than $2 million in the first six months of its ongoing investigation into Flint's water crisis.

The Detroit News, citing records obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, reports Monday nearly $1.9 million went to paying lawyers, investigators and others. The records say the team totaled 42 people in June.

An initial $1.5 million was authorized through mid-2017. In July, the State Administrative Board approved Attorney General Bill Schuette's request for $3.4 million more.

Nine current or former public officials been criminally charged in connection with lead-tainted Flint water.

Schuette spokeswoman Andrea Bitely says $2 million is "a pretty reasonable cost." She says: "We're going to spend whatever it takes to get the truth and not one penny more."Meanwhile, House Democrats are blasting House Republicans at the state capital for shielding Gov. Snyder in connection with his role in the Flint water crisis.

Democratic House Leader Tim Greimel says, "Snyder is using state tax-payer dollars to pay a criminal defense attorney for himself and his administration in the Flint water tragedy. He's doing that based on the budget that House Republicans passed."

(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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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.)