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Federal judge grants approval for Flint Water Crisis Settlement

"Legal Gavel & Closed Law Book" by Visual Content is licensed with CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

A federal judge has granted preliminary approval to a massive legal settlement stemming from the Flint water crisis.

From 2014 to 2015, improperly treated water released lead and other contaminates into Flint’s drinking water.

The state of Michigan, city of Flint and two local businesses agreed to pay a combined 641 million dollars to settle civil suits.

Attorney Michael Pitt is the plaintiffs’ co-lead counsel. He concedes some Flint residents worry they might not get what they deserve..

“Certainly those concerned will be heard seriously by the court and if adjustment is required according to the opinion of the court adjustments will be made,” said Pitt.

The judge has scheduled a July hearing where Flint residents can express their concerns in court.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005.