Michigan spends more than $2M so far on Flint water probe

LANSING (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."

Published: Tue, Aug 16, 2016